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Lena Go Round – Songwriter Showcase with Erin Harkes

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

Musician/comedian Erin Harkes continues her songwriters' series at Caffè Lena in October. This monthly showcase, curated and hosted by Harkes, spotlights rising talent, who take turns playing their songs and telling stories “in the round,” for an audience and for each other. Lena Go Round is inspired by the original music that has been the cornerstone of Caffè Lena’s 63 years in operation, and is quickly becoming a must-see event in the Capital District.

$21.69

Captain Fun Lunchtime Listening Hour

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

All are welcome to gather at Lena’s from Noon to 1 PM on the last Friday of each month to enjoy musical memories and new discoveries. The playlist is selected by a different community member each month from the Captain Fun Listening Library of vinyl records in Lena’s lobby. Chuck “Rochmon” Vosganian spins the records and gets the conversation flowing. Bring a brown bag lunch. Coffee and tea are provided.
The Captain Fun Listening Library occupying the north wall in the Caffè Lena lobby is comprised of 1,516 vinyl albums and several hundred CDs selected from Al “Captain Fun” McKenney’s expertly curated collection. This treasure trove of folk, blues and jazz was left us in 2015 and we share it through our monthly listening hour, as Al wished. Enjoy the memories these records bring back, and dig deep into American roots music.

Free

Frank Solivan & Jillian Lea

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

Frank Solivan is a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist whose raw talent and intense energy have made him a force in the bluegrass scene. Primarily known for fiery mandolin chops and soulful vocals, Solivan blends the drive of classic bluegrass with a fresh, modern edge. His impeccable musicianship and emotional original songs have earned him two GRAMMY nominations and multiple IBMA awards alongside his band, Dirty Kitchen, who are known for their tight, high-octane performances. Whether he's shredding on the mandolin or demonstrating his skill on the fiddle, Solivan’s command of the stage is undeniable.

Jillian Lea’s musical roots run deep. She was immersed in classical, folk, jazz, and Celtic traditions from an early age. Performing with her twin sister and mother at church, then later moving their act to Irish pubs, Jillian has always been a versatile player. Classically trained on the flute, she later turned her attention to the pennywhistle and, more recently, has fully embraced bluegrass, mastering the upright bass. With decades of experience under her belt, Jillian has toured internationally, playing stages across the U.S., Europe, and beyond, and teaching workshops along the way.

Together, Solivan and Lea are an incendiary, husband-and-wife fusion of grit, heart, and musical finesse. Combining family, tradition and celebration, they're the perfect fit for Thanksgiving weekend!

$30.37

Annie & The Hedonists

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

Annie & the Hedonists transport us back to an age when heartache, boozing, and all sorts of romantic mayhem amounted to one big stylish adventure. From the gospel-rock of Sister Rosetta Tharpe to the irresistible swing of Fats Waller, the torchy, honey voice of Annie Rosen takes center stage, with super-tight, expert backing provided by husband Jonny Rosen on guitar, Peter Davis on clarinet, tenor guitar, piano, and vocals, Don Young on bass and vocals and Jerry Marotta on percussion/drums.

$32.54

Playwright’s Jam

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
$5

Fred Small

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$27.12

Open Mic Night

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

Open Mic Night

$3 – $5

Tatiana Eva-Marie & The Avalon Jazz Band

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$34.71

SIRSY

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$27.12

SIRSY

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$27.12

SIRSY

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$27.12

Open Mic Night

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

Open Mic Night

$3 – $5

JAZZ at Caffe Lena with the Chuck Lamb Trio and Special Guest Jimmy Greene

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

Kaki King

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$30.37

The Empty Pockets Mistletunes Holiday Tour

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.”

$27.12

Little Folks: John & Trish

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

Free

Sean Rowe

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$30.37

The Millstone Rounders

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

Featuring Oona Grady, Benny Bleu, James Gascoyne, Eric Marjan, and Matt Griffin, The Millstone Rounders play and sing classic country, bluegrass, blues, and more in timeless style - completely acoustic around a single mic. Easy on the ears, food for the soul!

$23.86

Open Mic Night

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

Open Mic Night

$3 – $5

Rochmon Record Club Listening Party: 2024 Retrospective

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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!

$16.27

Bluegrass Jam

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
$5

The Singing Anchors Reunion Holiday Show featuring Jerry Gretzinger, Jessica Layton & Benita Zahn

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$30.37

Rees Shad & The Conversations with opener Matt Griffin

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

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.

$27.12

Nefesh Mountain: The Love & Light Tour

caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States

A New York-based progressive bluegrass band has found the shared heritage of Jewish spirituality and American folk and Appalachian bluegrass musical traditions.

$34.71