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american folk
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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 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 traditional food from the Carribbean. 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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Irish Music Ensemble With Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
Irish Music Ensemble With Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
10 Weeks - Wednesdays from 12 - 1 PM, January 29 - April 9th
Lena Go Round – Songwriter Showcase with Erin Harkes
Lena Go Round – Songwriter Showcase with Erin Harkes
Musician/comedian Erin Harkes continues her monthly songwriters' series at Caffè Lena. 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 65 years (this year!) in operation, and is quickly becoming a must-see event in the Capital District.
The line up for January is Amélie, John Glenn, Drew Jacobs, and of course, Erin!
Amélie
Local singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amélie takes inspiration from ‘60s and ‘70s folk rock to create acoustically driven narrative songs with lilting melodies and vocals somewhat reminiscent of Linda Perhacs. She released her debut single, “Ridgewood Sun,” in 2021, and in 2022, she released “Antietam,” the first in an ongoing series of songs, in a variety of styles, produced by one of her music heroes, Dave Nachmanoff. Her most recent release is 2024’s “Dreams of Marmalade,” an experiment in ‘60s sunshine pop, which showcases her love of elaborate harmonies and rhyming lyrics with a lot of syllables. Amélie is half of folk duo Question of the Century, who performed at Caffè Lena's “Beatle Caffè” in November 2024 and have done live sessions for WEXT and WSPN.
John Glenn
John Glenn is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his deeply personal and introspective music. Born in Austin, TX, and currently based in Albany, NY, Glenn is the creative force behind both the indie-rock band Stellar Young and the electronic project LiketheAstronaut. His work seamlessly blends intimate, heartfelt lyricism with diverse musical influences, reflecting both the complexities of his personal journey and his evolving creative vision.
Drew Jacobs
Drew Jacobs is an award-winning Songwriter and singer from Latham. He's performed in shows and festivals across the country including the South by Southwest Festival in Austin Texas. He's received local and national airplay including Sirius Satellite Radio. His latest CD "Get Your Ha-Ha's Out" was recorded live by WAMC Radio.
Erin Harkes
Local favorite Erin Harkes has been called the busiest woman in show biz (NYS Music). She is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll and The Alt. She took home the 2020 Thomas Edison Award for Best Solo/Duo Artist of the Year.
Adding to her entertainment portfolio in 2012, Harkes decided to try her hand at standup comedy. Since then she’s performed in nearly every major club in NYC, Toronto and Montreal, as well as being a regular at Funny Bone Comedy Clubs across the country. She likes to say that music is her spouse and comedy is her mistress. She tries to give them equal amounts of love and attention. Whether singing songs or telling jokes, Harkes commands attention every time she steps foot on stage.
Erin began writing her own songs at age 19 and has released four albums of original material since then. Her first CD was aptly titled “Bar Napkins and Magic Markers” due to the crude way the lyrics were jotted down during her college years.
Her music comes from triumphs over tragedy. Though sometimes somber there’s always a resounding theme of resilience. The power of her voice and the emotion that comes through her lyrics make you want to sit and listen to every word. Erin’s lyrics tell stories of her life, sung through a big voice that’s often compared to Janis Joplin. Hearing Erin sing is a powerful experience that grabs anyone within earshot.
Erin’s spontaneity and willingness to perform won her a spot on “Battle of the Instant Bands” on the Jimmy Fallon show in April of 2010. Having only 20 minutes to prepare with an impromptu band made up of complete strangers, Erin won over both Jimmy Fallon and the studio audience by naming the band (“Fallon Angels”) and the song (“Free Jimmy”) – the band performed the song with Erin on vocals to an explosive audience response and easily won the contest.
Erin is regularly voted Best Singer/Songwriter, Solo Musician and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader’s Poll, The Alt and the Metroland. She has been the subject of several cover stories by all of those newspapers. She is definitely a local favorite. Erin has had the privilege to have shared the stage with national acts such as 10,000 Maniacs, Spin Doctors, Pat Benatar and one of her musical idols, Beth Hart. In comedy she has worked with Jeff Dye, Judy Gold, Demetri Martin, Craig Robinson and Mark Normand.
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Lee DeWyze
Lee DeWyze
Following his win on American Idol's Season 9, DeWyze set out to demonstrate his songwriting skills in addition to his stellar vocal chops. Over the past 15 years his emotional, authentic ballads have been heard in more than 100 TV shows, movies, trailers, and commercials, and on stages around the world.
DeWyze’s most recent studio album, Gone For Days, is a soul-searching homage to small town life, lush nature, nostalgia and yearning. With shades of his idols Cat Stevens and Paul Simon, the profound yet frank songs are his most honorable and vulnerable to date. It's hitting the sweet spot of fans, rapidly rising to #1 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter Charts following its release in September, 2024
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Little Folks Series featuring LITTLE ROOTS
Little Folks Series featuring LITTLE ROOTS
Folk duo Little Roots is Annie Lynch Stevenson and Maggie Shar, who believe that music is for Everyone! Maggie and Annie select and write tried and true old-time tunes and American folksongs that are enjoyable for people of all ages. Their show is fun and accessible, including banjo, guitar, harmony singing, movement songs and Crankies! This show is engaging folk music for kids, that grown ups like too.
Made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright.
Ryan Montbleau (Solo)
Ryan Montbleau (Solo)
Usually seen fronting his powerhouse band, Ryan Montbleau’s intimate, honest lyrics and spirited, dynamic delivery create a whole different impact when stripped-down for a solo show. “It’s still me just pouring my heart out,” he says, as he’s been doing since the early 2000s. NPR’s Mountain Stage compared his “eloquent, soulful songwriting” to Bill Withers and James Taylor, while Relix hailed his “poetic Americana.” With a passionate fanbase, Montbleau’s live shows are nothing if not communal events.
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Ryan Montbleau (Solo)
Ryan Montbleau (Solo)
Usually seen fronting his powerhouse band, Ryan Montbleau’s intimate, honest lyrics and spirited, dynamic delivery create a whole different impact when stripped-down for a solo show. “It’s still me just pouring my heart out,” he says, as he’s been doing since the early 2000s. NPR’s Mountain Stage compared his “eloquent, soulful songwriting” to Bill Withers and James Taylor, while Relix hailed his “poetic Americana.” With a passionate fanbase, Montbleau’s live shows are nothing if not communal events.
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Irish Music Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
Irish Music Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
Irish Music Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
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CANCELLED FEB 5 Weekly Slow Jam ~ Folk, Bluegrass, Blues and more!
CANCELLED FEB 5 Weekly Slow Jam ~ Folk, Bluegrass, Blues and more!
CANCELLED FEB 5 Weekly Slow Jam ~ Folk, Bluegrass, Blues and more!
The Clements Brothers: CANCELED DUE TO A MEDICAL ISSUE
The Clements Brothers: CANCELED DUE TO A MEDICAL ISSUE
“Pitch perfect sibling harmonies and gossamer sounds.” (Americana UK)
Identical twins George and Charles Clements first played Lena's stage with the hugely popular Lonely Heartstring Band. Their breakout 2023 duo album, Dandelion Breeze, "staked its claim as one of the year’s best debuts." (Folk Radio UK) With roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, George (on guitar) and Charles (on bass) make groovy, serene music that "unassumingly and softly seeps into your soul." They are joined by drummer Mike Harmon for a show of seamless vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, and a genuine love of song.
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Goodnight Moonshine feat. Molly of Red Molly
Goodnight Moonshine feat. Molly of Red Molly
This duo combines the evocative voice and songwriting of Molly Venter, known for her sublime singing in vocal trio Red Molly, with husband, Oberlin-trained guitarist Eben Pariser of New Orleans style jazz band Roosevelt Dime.
Venter’s voice, which can be called both “biker-chick smoky” (New Haven Register), and “like silk” (American Songwriter Magazine), pairs with trance-induced stream-of-consciousness writing in songs that probe the depths of inner experience.
Their show is punctuated by banter that openly explores the complexities of marriage, the Creator, birth, life, death and the roller coaster that is everyday life. For Venter and Pariser, It is the way they make space for each other while staying true to themselves that defines this music, and marriage.
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Folk Club Kids! Dance tunes, Sing Alongs & Stories! Free / infants – pre-k
Folk Club Kids! Dance tunes, Sing Alongs & Stories! Free / infants – pre-k
Folk Club Kids! Dance tunes, Sing Alongs & Stories! Free / infants – pre-k
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Heather Maloney with opener High Tea
Heather Maloney with opener High Tea
Stitched together from personal and universal ecstasy, loss both intimate and ancient, Maloney’s tremulous folk, existential ballads, and assertive rock encompass the whole of life. There’s been a spiritual thread running through her work ever since she began writing songs while living at a Zen monastery. Her wise art shows us the infinite in the details of daily life, family love, nature, pursuit of identity, and romantic commitment.
"Her penchant for vibrant storytelling is reminiscent of the Indigo Girls or even the singer Melanie. Maloney’s ability to create a palpable intimacy between audience and performer is reflective of Dar Williams’ quiet roar." - PopMatters
Opening for Heather is High Tea, the y'alternative folk-punk duo hailing from Massachusetts, is a concoction of sweepingly soulful harmonies, intense guitar riffs, and a refreshing blend of old blues and new rock. Isabella DeHerdt and Isaac Eliot have come together to fill spaces with homegrown storytelling and Lumineers-esque vocals. Their songs are ripe with americana heartbreak, and tell tales of growing up, going wild, and always coming back to the ones you love.
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65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: Tom Chapin
65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: Tom Chapin
In a career that spans six decades, 27 albums and three Grammy awards, Hudson Valley troubadour Tom Chapin has covered a lot of creative ground. He began performing as a teenager in the early 1960s, playing in Greenwich Village folk clubs alongside his siblings Harry and Steve as The Chapin Brothers. Over the decades his music career has encompassed both songs for adults and pioneering work for children. He has performed on Broadway as the lead in Pump Boys and Dinettes and served as host of TV’s National Geographic Explorer.
In addition to his remarkable output of smart, thoughtful, funny and beautiful songs, Chapin has long been an advocate for environmental causes, issues of hunger and social justice, and a supporter of music and the arts in public schools.
Tom will accompany himself on guitar, banjo and autoharp.
“Tom Chapin is at the top of his game … warm, wise, whimsical, and anthemic – and very right for our times.” (WFUV)
Photo by Joe Dueul
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Bright Series: Jennifer Knapp with opener Flamy Grant
Bright Series: Jennifer Knapp with opener Flamy Grant
We were already booked, but there was no way we could pass up the chance to bring these two trailblazers to our audience so we made room for a matinee. Knapp is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, author, speaker, and advocate. Her career includes the remarkable achievement of selling over one million albums with her first three releases: the Gold-certified “Kansas” (1998), “Lay It Down” (2000), and “The Way I Am” (2001). Alongside this commercial success, Knapp has been honored with four Dove Awards and garnered two Grammy nominations. She is the first major artist in the Christian music realm to openly discuss LGBTQ+ identity. Her courageous stance sparked national dialogue and led to appearances on Larry King Live and the TEDx stage. She founded the non-profit organization Inside Out Faith, dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within faith communities.
We're thrilled to welcome opener Flamy Grant back to our stage. She's a powerhouse vocalist, intrepid songwriter, and acclaimed drag queen from western North Carolina who blends folk, gospel, and roots, transporting audiences with therapeutic, theatrical storytelling and song. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, garnered international attention when it reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian Charts.
Momentum Series: Henhouse Prowlers
Momentum Series: Henhouse Prowlers
Founded two decades ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this Chicago-bred quartet now finds themselves at the intersection of performance, diplomacy, and education.
Onstage, the group's enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much they love what they do. On record, including their latest offering, 2023’s Lead and Iron, released via Dark Shadow Recording – the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers’ music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a keenly developed sound all their own.
Working with the U.S. State Department and under their own nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, the Prowlers have toured over 25 countries across the globe. The group's experiences with people and musicians across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East have shaped the band’s worldview and broadened the group’s direction towards bridging cultural gaps with music, educational programs, and workshops. Using traditional American music as a foundation, connecting folk music, customs, and history the world over, the Prowlers incorporate international elements into their already robust repertoire of unique traditional American music.
Whether playing live or presenting seminars, wherever they are, the Henhouse Prowlers find and spread the commonality we share as human beings through the universal language of music.
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Bluegrass Jam
Bluegrass Jam
Our jams are all about sharing songs, making new friends, and enjoying a relaxing and casual evening of irresistible string band music.
ALL are welcome to join the circle for an afternoon or evening playing and listening to classic grass, new grass and folk favorites. We sometimes refer to our genre as eclectic acoustic.
Red Spruce and Adirondack Song Dogs will kick off each session with a few tunes then open the floor for musicians to lead their favorite bluegrass tunes and folk music, backed up by the other pickers in the gathering. Simple tunes are always popular! So sharpen up your axe, come prepared with your song, and let us hear some good old fast, high and lonesome, some slow and low, or a good old favorite. All are welcome!
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Irish Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
Irish Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne
LEARN AND ARRANGE
IRISH DANCE MELODIES, EXPERIMENTING WITH ADDING CHORDAL AND HARMONIC ACCOMPANIMENT WEDNESDAYS 12 - 1 PM, January 29 - April 9
Lena Go Round – Songwriter Showcase with Erin Harkes
Lena Go Round – Songwriter Showcase with Erin Harkes
Fiercely popular musician/comedian Erin Harkes hosts a monthly showcase of emerging & established songwriters from the Capital Region.
Musician/comedian Erin Harkes continues her monthly songwriters' series at Caffè Lena. 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 65 years (this year!) in operation, and is quickly becoming a must-see event in the Capital District.
The line up for February is Bryan Thomas, Gabby Hammond, Anthony “The Bear” Cubbage and of course, Erin!
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Crys Matthews
Crys Matthews
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Crys Matthews, hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie” and one of the most compelling voices in social justice music today. A powerful lyricist, Matthews weaves compassionate dissent, hope, and love into songs that resonate deeply with audiences, tackling themes like immigration, the opioid crisis, Black Lives Matter, and gun safety.
Her critically acclaimed album Changemakers solidifies her place among legendary social justice artists like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near. Known for her warm heart, strong voice, and ability to bridge divides, Matthews uplifts and inspires, offering a much-needed message of hope and encouragement in challenging times.
A seasoned performer, Matthews has graced prestigious stages across the country, including Lincoln Center (as the 2017 New Song Music and Performance Competition grand prize winner), the Kennedy Center, Sundance Film Festival, and Kerrville Folk Festival. Her TED Talk, “Sing, Don’t Shout—An Alternative Approach,” reflects her philosophy of using music as a tool for connection and conversation.
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Caleb Klauder + Reeb Willms Country Band
Caleb Klauder + Reeb Willms Country Band
Dust off your boots for some bona fide honky tonk! Country music powerhouses Caleb and Reeb are known for driving dance tunes, frequently-covered originals, and enduring dedication to the traditional country music of America's rural working class. Hailing from Washington State, Caleb and Reeb are pillars of the Pacific Northwest’s old-time and country scene via the Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms Country Band and the Foghorn Stringband, which Caleb co-founded.
An all-star cast of master musicians backs these two soul singers of country music, creating charismatic performances marked by a mastery of roots music, soaring vocals and a timeless sound that transports audiences into the heart of classic country. Unaffected by trends, they conjure the spirit of legendary country duos, crafting contemporary honky tonk that brushes up against traditional bluegrass, leaving their audience spellbound and smiling. There’s a lot to admire in Caleb and Reeb's singular perseverance and authenticity.
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