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2 events,
Fred Small
Fred Small
Political insight, human compassion, and environmental concern inspired Fred Small to seek a law degree, pursue a career as a touring singer-songwriter, and become a Unitarian Universalist minister. His folk songs have addressed being gay in the US military, the challenges of being disabled, radioactive frogs, and a moose's infatuation with a cow. Pete Seeger, Rosalie Sorrels, Steve Gillette, and Priscilla Herdman are only some of the many musicians who have covered Small's songs.
Marking the 40th anniversary of his most enduring anthem, "Everything Possible," Small has published a children's book by the same name that celebrates love and friendship, gently encouraging children to dream their own dream and choose their own path, wherever it may take them. After a long hiatus from music, Small has been playing select concerts in support of this new project. This will be his first visit to Caffe Lena since 1985.
He will also be guest preaching at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs on the morning of the show, and playing for local children through Caffe Lena On the Road.
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Tatiana Eva-Marie & The Avalon Jazz Band
Tatiana Eva-Marie & The Avalon Jazz Band
Nicknamed the "Gypsy-jazz Warbler” by the New York Times, Tatiana Eva-Marie is a transatlantic bandleader, singer, author, and actress now based in Brooklyn. Her French popular songs are rooted in the Django tradition, with Balkan Gypsy and folk influences. This young phenom has shaken up the trad jazz scene, racking up nearly 100 million views on YouTube. After choosing NYC as her homebase, she founded the Avalon Jazz Band, which became the number one reference for French swing around the world, and Tatiana became the international ambassador of "1930s Paris." This is the band's first performance at Caffe Lena.
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SIRSY
SIRSY
It’s hard to imagine a sound this big coming from just two people. Local favorites SIRSY play indie pop-rock songs with delicious intensity. The band is fronted by charismatic vocalist/drummer/pianist/flautist Melanie Krahmer and her guitarist/bassist husband Rich Libutti. Their honest, instantly relatable songs, "have more hooks than a tackle box.” (Times Union) With Krahmer’s sultry vocals and ability to play keyboards and drums at once, plus Libutti's vintage Rickenbacker, they're as much fun to watch as hear. Their energetic shows include stories from the road, laughter, dance parties – and yes – even Libutti’s nerdy Star Wars jokes. Every show is a celebration for this couple who cheer each other on through all the ups and downs life can throw at them.
Join us for 3 nights of Sirsy! Each show will be unique, with a mix of full electric and stripped down versions of Sirsy’s songs plus a few surprises. Join us for one or ALL of the shows! There is a special price for fans who'd like to attend all three shows. To receive the special price, please order those tickets on the Friday, December 6th ticket page.
1 event,
SIRSY
SIRSY
It’s hard to imagine a sound this big coming from just two people. Local favorites SIRSY play indie pop-rock songs with delicious intensity. The band is fronted by charismatic vocalist/drummer/pianist/flautist Melanie Krahmer and her guitarist/bassist husband Rich Libutti. Their honest, instantly relatable songs, "have more hooks than a tackle box.” (Times Union) With Krahmer’s sultry vocals and ability to play keyboards and drums at once, plus Libutti's vintage Rickenbacker, they're as much fun to watch as hear. Their energetic shows include stories from the road, laughter, dance parties – and yes – even Libutti’s nerdy Star Wars jokes. Every show is a celebration for this couple who cheer each other on through all the ups and downs life can throw at them.
Join us for 3 nights of Sirsy! Each show will be unique, with a mix of full electric and stripped down versions of Sirsy’s songs plus a few surprises. Join us for one or ALL of the shows! There is a special price for fans who'd like to attend all three shows. To recieve the special price, please order those tickets on the Friday, December 6th ticket page.
1 event,
SIRSY
SIRSY
It’s hard to imagine a sound this big coming from just two people. Local favorites SIRSY play indie pop-rock songs with delicious intensity. The band is fronted by charismatic vocalist/drummer/pianist/flautist Melanie Krahmer and her guitarist/bassist husband Rich Libutti. Their honest, instantly relatable songs, "have more hooks than a tackle box.” (Times Union) With Krahmer’s sultry vocals and ability to play keyboards and drums at once, plus Libutti's vintage Rickenbacker, they're as much fun to watch as hear. Their energetic shows include stories from the road, laughter, dance parties – and yes – even Libutti’s nerdy Star Wars jokes. Every show is a celebration for this couple who cheer each other on through all the ups and downs life can throw at them.
Join us for 3 nights of Sirsy! Each show will be unique, with a mix of full electric and stripped down versions of Sirsy’s songs plus a few surprises. Join us for one or ALL of the shows! There is a special price for fans who'd like to attend all three shows. To receive the special price, please order those tickets on the Friday, December 6th ticket page.
1 event,
1 event,
JAZZ at Caffe Lena with the Chuck Lamb Trio and Special Guest Jimmy Greene
JAZZ at Caffe Lena with the Chuck Lamb Trio and Special Guest Jimmy Greene
The JAZZ at Caffe Lena series is hosted by resident composer, pianist, and jazz master Chuck Lamb, with support from music producer Joel Moss. Each month, Lamb invites a top-flight jazz artist to join his trio on stage. Lamb, a member of the Brubeck Brothers Quartet since 2002, is not only an exciting and emotive pianist but also a prolific composer of jazz, fusion, classical, and world music. Through these collaborations, the artists stretch their creative boundaries, exploring new musical landscapes and creating spontaneous, exhilarating performances.
This month's special guest is the GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist, Jimmy Greene. Greene’s soulful sound and inspiring music has earned praise from publications like Jazzwise Magazine, which describes him as “one of the most striking young tenors of recent years.”
Greene is currently an Associate Professor of Music and Co-Coordinator of Jazz Studies at Western Connecticut State University and has performed and recorded with a wide array of iconic artists, including Horace Silver, Harry Connick Jr., and Ron Carter.
JAZZ at Caffe Lena is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
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2 events,
Kaki King
Kaki King
Dubbed by Rolling Stone as "a genre unto herself," Brooklyn, NY-based Kaki King has proven to be just that. Her career has taken her all over the world, sharing stages with Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, contributing music to award-winning films (Sean Penn's Into The Wild), and performing at the Kennedy Center, the London Jazz Festival, and the Paris Les Femmes s'en Melent. Her explorations into the guitar and multimedia have led to the creation of groundbreaking work such as The Neck Is A Bridge To The Body, Modern Yesterdays, SEI, and her newest show for audiences of all ages, BUGS. Kaki continues to create, perform, and lend her musical voice to the forefront of contemporary music.
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The Empty Pockets Mistletunes Holiday Tour
The Empty Pockets Mistletunes Holiday Tour
Chicago roots rockers The Empty Pockets return to Saratoga to celebrate the Christmas season. This Billboard chart-topping quartet bring joyful energy to seasonal classics like "Silent Night” and "Run Run Rudolph," and their fun, original songs like "Party at the North Pole" and "Snow Day" are a welcome change from the season's familiar standards. Seen most recently at Caffe Lena backing the legendary Al Stewart for two nights last summer, The Empty Pockets ignite a bright flame with Americana, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll spiked with roots soul. The “Polished yet rootsy Chicago outfit” (Rolling Stone) offers spotless instrumentation and effortless, upbeat vocal harmonies. As the Daily Vault Album Reviews proclaims: “Buddy Holly would be proud.”
2 events,
Little Folks: John & Trish
Little Folks: John & Trish
Treat your kids to an hour of fiery fiddle tunes, folksongs and fancy footwork! All ages enjoy John & Trish’s witty songs, engaging stagecraft and warm, clear singing.
John Kirk is the primary vocalist and instrumental wizard on fiddle, mandolin & more. Trish Miller plays banjo, guitar and provides percussive dance steps. Together, this married couple has been working and teaching in upstate New York for over three decades.
Old time music is the basis for their repertoire, but they also like to mix in some originals, Celtic, early country songs, humorous selections and Appalachian clog dancing. Many songs and tunes are rooted in the local lore of the northeast woodlands. Their story-telling songs and poetic pieces make their shows fine entertainment for all ages.
Sean Rowe
Sean Rowe
Based in the Capital Region, Rowe is an internationally touring singer-songwriter, musician, recording artist, and forager. He has a powerful sound with an emotional conviction that demands attention. NPR’s All Songs Considered says of Rowe’s vocals, “He can just crush granite with that voice. It’s so powerful.” The Wall Street Journal proclaimed, “Mr. Rowe's ringing baritone is as timeless as his approach, recalling the ecstatic intensity of late-'60s Van Morrison and stark subtlety of late-era Johnny Cash.” Rowe has graced the stage of Mountain Jam, Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival as well as opening for Robert Plant and the Alabama Shakes. Both an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and having his song, “To Leave Something Behind” featured in the film, “The Accountant”, have expanded his voice to an international audience.
His latest release, The Darkness Dressed in Colored Lights, was recorded at The Hive in Wisconsin by Grammy-winning engineer, Brian Joseph (Bon Iver). Expanding his sound, Rowe continues to write heartfelt songs strongly rooted in singer-songwriter tradition. PopMatters.com reflected, “with lyrics that have the poetic storytelling quality you expect from Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen.” An avid naturalist and renowned forager, Rowe often speaks of his fascination with the woods and his connection to the land.
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The Millstone Rounders
The Millstone Rounders
This brand new band of seasoned players is getting a nice little buzz going in the Capital Region! Caffe stalwarts Oona Grady, James Gascoyne and Matt Griffin are joined by upstate banjo picker Benny Bleu and one more special guest TBA. Expect old-time, bluegrass, blues and country tunes on fiddle, banjo, guitar and string bass.
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Rochmon Record Club Listening Party: 2024 Retrospective
Rochmon Record Club Listening Party: 2024 Retrospective
On Tuesday, December 17, Rochmon Record Club will converge at Caffè Lena for a Year End Retrospective Listening Party, celebrating the lives of way too many musicians who left the planet this year. This special Rochmon Record Club Listening Party is a celebration of beloved musicians and filled with music!
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The Singing Anchors Reunion Holiday Show featuring Jerry Gretzinger, Jessica Layton & Benita Zahn
The Singing Anchors Reunion Holiday Show featuring Jerry Gretzinger, Jessica Layton & Benita Zahn
The Capital Region's own Singing Anchors are back with a program of seasonal songs that's perfect for a night of holiday cheer with your friends and family. Since 2009, Jerry Gretzinger, Benita Zahn, and Jessica Layton have charmed audiences across the Capital Region by stepping off the TV news set and onto the stage. These celebrated news anchors turned performers have built a lasting connection with fans.
In 2015, Jessica moved to the New York City market, where she now anchors for MSNBC and occasionally on NBC's Early Today Show. Jerry and Benita continued as co-anchors at WNYT, touring with their show, Side By Side, for two years. Benita stepped away from WNYT in 2021 after more than 30 years on Albany’s airwaves, and in 2022, Jerry left his anchor role to join the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) as Associate Commissioner for Internal & External Affairs.
Don’t miss this rare chance to experience The Singing Anchors live again! It’s an evening made for reminiscing and celebrating the season with warmth and song.
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Rees Shad & The Conversations with opener Matt Griffin
Rees Shad & The Conversations with opener Matt Griffin
Rees Shad made a name for himself as a wordsmith troubadour traveling the world sharing his particular blend of Americana storytelling. Several of his albums were warmly received by Americana radio and music critics around the world in the 90’s. He withdrew from touring in 2001, choosing instead to focus more on wider ranging compositions as he recorded music for theater and film. Over the years, Rees has recorded over 16 solo albums with compositions often influenced by classic American songbook writers such as Carmichael, Dixon, the Gershwins, and Porter, and in 2019 Rees returned to performance with a band he dubbed The Conversations. Phil Henry called them a “horde of stone-cold killers.” Together with drummer, Bobby Kay, bassist Jeff Link, and saxophonist Marcus Benoit, Rees seeks to make the audience smile, tap their feet, and enjoy the many stories he loves to share and sing. Nothing short of joyful and swinging, their music “cruises like a convertible” (Americana Highway).
Shad's story-filled compositions have their roots in blues, folk, country, and jazz. American Songwriter described his story-filled songs as resonating "with emphatic emotions convincingly conveyed in every verse and chorus." The band leans into the swing of things and so the music has often been described as swinging americana.
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Nefesh Mountain: The Love & Light Tour
Nefesh Mountain: The Love & Light Tour
A New York-based progressive bluegrass band has found the shared heritage of Jewish spirituality and American folk and Appalachian bluegrass musical traditions.
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“A Joyful Noise!” Gospel Dinner led by Soulist Garland Nelson
“A Joyful Noise!” Gospel Dinner led by Soulist Garland Nelson
Saratoga will be thrilled to learn that A Joyful Noise is back! This is a soul-cleansing dinner hour of music directed by Soulist Garland Nelson. Nelson leads Lena's Inspirational Voices gospel choir for a late afternoon of joyful noise. Songs range from traditional gospel and contemporary church music to soulful pop classics. Audience participation is downright thunderous. It's impossible to stay quiet or in your seat as Garland Nelson stirs up the Spirit!
Dinner by Hattie's served to your table is an integral part of this cultural event and is included in your ticket price. Your plate will be heaped with fried chicken or red beans & rice, biscuits and gravy, and collards. Coffee and tea is included. Caffe Lena's drink and dessert menu will be available a la carte.
This event is made possible by the generous support of Dottie Pepper and David Normoyle.
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Racquette River Rounders Annual Boxing Day Reunion Show
Racquette River Rounders Annual Boxing Day Reunion Show
Guitarist Danny Gotham and singer-songwriter John Kribs formed the Rounders in 1978 along with the late bassist Michael Hadfield. They play everything from traditional reels and jigs to Fats Waller, Elvis Presley and their own originals. They officially disbanded in 1982, but their annual Boxing Day Reunion Show at Lena's has become a cherished annual event for die-hard fans and newcomers, alike.
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Stephen Kellogg
Stephen Kellogg
A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live. Whether he’s playing music or doing stand-up, his shows leave people inspired and restored. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, Tedx speaker, stand-up comic, author and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first class songwriter with a poet's gift for fresh imagery,” and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says of Kellogg, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.”
He has received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award and has had his work nominated for a Grammy. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” The recent “Sit Down & Stand Up” Tour was a one man show that opened to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. A mix of music, humor and storytelling, each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll go home with a full heart.
Stephen Kellogg
Stephen Kellogg
A Stephen Kellogg performance is like watching Ted Lasso live. Whether he’s playing music or doing stand-up, his shows leave people inspired and restored. For more than two decades, this wordsmith, Tedx speaker, stand-up comic, author and troubadour, has delighted audiences around the world. Planet Bluegrass calls him “a first class songwriter with a poet's gift for fresh imagery,” and Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz says of Kellogg, “there are few people in rock n’ roll who are just so great.”
He has received the Armed Forces Entertainer of the Year award and has had his work nominated for a Grammy. Rolling Stone magazine describes his sound as “John Prine fronting the Heartbreakers.” The recent “Sit Down & Stand Up” Tour was a one man show that opened to rave reviews from fans and critics alike. A mix of music, humor and storytelling, each performance paints a unique canvas that covers the full spectrum of human emotions. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll go home with a full heart.
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New American Cuisine
New American Cuisine
Ben Crandall (guitar/vocals), Bryce North (guitar/vocals), Jordon Gyarmathy (bass) and Henry McCabe (drums) were high school classmates right here in Saratoga Springs not so long ago. A high school pep rally gave them their first taste of performing as New American Cuisine, and the positive response made them decide to get serious about the band. Inspired by The Beatles and John Mayer to Dispatch and the Lumineers, they established a lush, indie pop sound. Filled with hooks and driven by melody, they spice up their songs with catchy vocal harmonies and decisive percussion and bass. NAC’s first single, “Lily of the Aztecs,” and 2022’s “Talking” got traction after spins on EQXposure. The band has continued to work hard, get incredibly good, and put out really strong new songs. Their tickets sell fast, so don't delay!
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Lost Leaders
Lost Leaders
This duo is a major find. NYC singer and irresistible personality Peter Cole, along with two-time GRAMMY-winner Byron Isaacs (current member of The Lumineers), have done weird tours and triumphant tours, placed lots of songs in film and TV, and maintained a sense of humor and artistic authenticity throughout. They've branched out from their early commitment to Americana and entered a retro pop/rock universe. Their anthemic songs push the national zeitgeist through vintage synthesizers, guitar pedals and tea-soaked vocal cords to create songs that are triumphant, unguarded and singable.
This twosome was born out of Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Ramble and quickly earned attention in the pages of RELIX, No Depression and The Huffington Post. Their eponymously titled first album yielded the successful radio track “I’m Gonna Win” and started their journey through years of weirdness and magic which continues in their newest collection, Hungry Ghosts, an exploration of desire and acceptance.
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Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
With a unique roots-rock-reggae repertoire, Los Sugar Kings draw from Afro-Cuban styles, Salsa, and Rumba-Flamenca music. Their dynamic live shows pull the audience in close, with both sides entering a space that's passionate, thoughtful, and joyful.
Frontman Patino Vazquez (vocals, guitar, tres), is a charismatic showman who is at once approachable and mesmerizing. Add in the African-influenced undulations of Mikael Mersha (vocals, bass/contrabass), the soaring, take-you-for-a-ride solos and harmonic accompaniment by Daniel Abreu (saxophone, piano, vocals), and the soulful voice and talents of Tony Curtis Hall (drums, percussion, vocals) and you've got a party breaking out wherever Los Sugar Kings perform. What a great way to heat up your New Year's Eve!
Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
With a unique roots-rock-reggae repertoire, Los Sugar Kings draw from Afro-Cuban styles, Salsa, and Rumba-Flamenca music. Their dynamic live shows pull the audience in close, with both sides entering a space that's passionate, thoughtful, and joyful.
Frontman Patino Vazquez (vocals, guitar, tres), is a charismatic showman who is at once approachable and mesmerizing. Add in the African-influenced undulations of Mikael Mersha (vocals, bass/contrabass), the soaring, take-you-for-a-ride solos and harmonic accompaniment by Daniel Abreu (saxophone, piano, vocals), and the soulful voice and talents of Tony Curtis Hall (drums, percussion, vocals) and you've got a party breaking out wherever Los Sugar Kings perform. What a great way to heat up your New Year's Eve!
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The Nields
The Nields
The Nields have been lighting up the indie circuit since 1991, originally traveling the continent as a five-piece band. Today, sisters Nerissa and Katryna perform as a duo often compared to The Indigo Girls and The Roches. The Chicago Tribune reports, “As the work of the Everly Brothers or the McGarrigle Sisters has amply demonstrated, there are few sounds as sublime as close harmonies rendered by siblings. In the case of western Massachusetts folk rockers the Nields, the siblings are sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields, and their inimitable vocal blend is a disarming mix of clean folk harmonies and clenched Generation-X angst.”
The Nields have been lauded for their gorgeous, lilting, sibling harmonies, their wise, classic, folk/pop songs, their hilarious banter on stage, and their generosity and warmth in performance and engagement with their fans. “A masterful mix of modern folk with an alternative edge” (Minneapolis Star Tribune), and The Austin Chronicle raves, “If there’s one constant here, it’s The Nields sisters beautifully sweet vocal harmonies that sound eerily like the Roches singing Lush in a really big room. It's infectious stuff.”
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Little Folks: The Nields
Little Folks: The Nields
For more than 30 years, Nerissa & Katryna Nields have charmed audiences with their generation-bridging music. Breaking out in the ‘90s as an alt-rock band, they became that rare band that teens and parents could agree on. Once they became parents themselves, they began sprinkling shows for little ones into their tours, playing sets of family-friendly originals with folk classics, creating an engaging, all-ages experience.
The sisters evoke the spirit of Pete Seeger with audience sing-alongs. Expect your kids to shout out answers to their questions, and participate in raucous clap-alongs to new classics like "Molly the Donkey." The atmosphere is a joyful, participatory experience where children and adults alike join in song and laughter.
Raised in a musical family, the Nields sisters learned harmony around the kitchen table. Their deep connection to folk music, passed down from their parents, informs every performance. As Nerissa says, "Singing together is heaven on earth." Their vibrant shows reflect that belief, celebrating the power of music to bring people together.
Made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright.
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