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american roots
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1 event,
Still Rockin’ In the Free World: A Tribute to Neil Young
Still Rockin’ In the Free World: A Tribute to Neil Young
anadian rock legend Neil Young has had an outsized influence on contemporary music, with his brilliant songwriting, sprawling electric and acoustic alter egos, and restless attitude towards experimentation. He has equally influenced generations of sensitive singer-songwriters, guitar-wielding Americana acts, and grunge/noise acts like Nirvana and Sonic Youth. Young turns 79 in November, so tonight Caffè Lena celebrates his indelible mark on music with “Still Rockin' In the Free World: A Tribute to Neil Young.”
The performance joins six Capital Region acts: Rick Bolton, Coal Palace Kings, The Croaks,
Nick Ferrandino, Mike McMann and the UnderDawgs and Super 400. This eclectic line-up will interpret selections from across Young’s varied career.
This event isn't just about celebrating Young's iconic catalog; it's a fundraiser to support Caffe Lena's free and donation-optional open mics for songwriters, storytellers, musicians and poets. Caffe Lena offers the community nearly a dozen opportunities each month to share creative work in our historic listening room, supported by professional sound production and superb equipment. Open mics are where up-and-coming artists cut their teeth and develop their craft, continuing the work that Young inspires. Our open stage programs and jams are open to all ages and are all about craft and community.
Expect fresh takes on Young's classics, such as "Heart of Gold" and "Old Man," to his electrifying work with Crazy Horse on tracks like "Cinnamon Girl" and "Rockin' in the Free World." It’s a showcase of local talent, blending reverence for the past with an eye on the future of music.
1 event,
Dana Cooper – Album Release
Dana Cooper – Album Release
Cooper honed his craft in Kansas City coffeehouses and clubs, leading to his 1972 Elektra Records debut. He built his reputation as a folk-country singer-songwriter over the decades on the club circuit while also collaborating with Lyle Lovett, Susan Gibson, Shake Russell, Kim Richey, Hal Ketchum, Kim Carnes, Susan Werner and more. Central to Cooper's unique artistry is his ability to connect with a live audience. His decades of experience shine through in the ease and humor he brings to the stage on Live at Caffe Lena: The Stories & Songs. This special album captures the magic of his Saratoga performance in front of an audience that was clearly having a great time. It marks the first time that Cooper's stories have been included on a recording. A portion of sales will benefit Caffe Lena's mission to provide music, connection and learning from a legendary venue.
1 event,
TrueSongs: Lyrics of Life 2024
TrueSongs: Lyrics of Life 2024
Now in its fifth year, TrueSongs is Caffe Lena's annual celebration of courage, resilience and caring. Seven local people who have faced a significant challenge have been paired with professional songwriters. Each team will take the stage together to share with us, through words and music, a story of overcoming adversity. It's an emotional and uplifting evening of true stories, and the songs they've inspired.
Each of our storytellers is representing a local nonprofit that helped them successfully overcome their life challenge. This year we will hear from a mother who made the decision to come to America to support her family back in Brazil (TriCounty Literacy Volunteers); a woman who nursed her mother through Alzheimers disease (Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern NY); a couple that found a way to stay in the home they love after one became wheelchair bound (Rebuilding Together Saratoga County); a military veteran who recovered from life-threatening PTSD (Alliance 180); a teen mother who is now preparing to graduate from nursing school (WAIT House); and a refugee from violence in El Salvador who now runs a cultural empowerment program in Albany (Capital District Latinos).
Our exciting line-up of songwriters is Ellis Paul, Carolyn Shapiro, Hayley Reardon, Joe Jencks, Mark Erelli, and Judy Kass.
This annual performance has outgrown Caffe Lena and will take place this year at Spa Little Theater.
TrueSongs 2024 is made possible by the generous support of Business For Good, with additional support provided by Carlton & Terry DeBrule.
1 event,
The Beatle Caffe
The Beatle Caffe
Curated and hosted by Dave Maswick and Joel Brown, the 2024 Beatle Caffe will feature several of the Capital District's most acclaimed acts, including Lori, Kenny and Ellie of the rock band Super 400, bluegrass favorites Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys, veteran duo Maswick and Brown, and Skidmore standouts "Question of the Century" and college phenom "Acearah".
1 event,
Frank Solivan & Jillian Lea
Frank Solivan & Jillian Lea
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!
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