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caffe lena schedule
Lena Go Round – Songwriter Showcase with Erin Harkes
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesFiercely 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!
Storytelling Open Mic Featuring Mary Murphy
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesMary Murphy is a writer and storyteller. She has performed at the National Storytelling Festival and other state and regional festivals. Mary's stories have been published in anthologies and magazines. She coaches children and adult storytellers and has recently edited "I Remember: Stories from an Easton Library Memoir Project". In 2023 Mary performed on an episode of the PBS series "Stories From the Stage". Visit her online at murphywong.net.
JAZZ at Caffè Lena: The Chuck Lamb Trio with Special Guest Cliff Lyons
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesThe 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.
The show for March is the Chuck Lamb Trio, and Chuck's special guest, saxophonist and member of the Average White Band, Cliff Lyons.
Cliff Lyons is a versatile saxophonist known for his dynamic performances and diverse musical talents. Since joining the Average White Band in 2015, Cliff has brought his expertise to stages worldwide, blending soulful grooves with precise technique.
With a background in jazz, rock, R&B, and big band, he has played or recorded with many well known artists such as Smokey Robinson, Manhattan Transfer, Bo Diddley, The O’Jays, and Ben E. King to name a few. He has also worked on many Broadway shows including Hairspray, In the Heights, Movin’ Out and currently, MJ the Musical. Cliff’s passion for many styles of music shines through in every performance.
Rochmon Record Club Listening Party : Joni Mitchell’s “Court & Spark”
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesOn Tuesday, March 18, Rochmon Record Club will converge at Caffe’ Lena 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, to listen to, and learn about Joni Mitchell’s 6th studio album, “Court and Spark”. Doors open at 6:30, and the show begins at 7 pm with a live audio & video presentation by Karen Garner aka “The Button Pusher”.
Joni’s unconventional playing style and vocal agility was perfectly suited to her combination of folk and jazz. Taking 1973 to record “Court and Spark” Joni focused on an album that would stretch her seemingly limitless talents into new sounds. Recorded with Tom Scott's L.A. Express, and numerous friends and session musicians “Court and Spark” stands as Joni’s best-selling album. Karen takes the big chair to present this great album featuring the songs, “Help Me”, “Free Man In Paris”, “Raised on Robbery” and 8 more! For Rochmaniacs at a distance, Rochmon Record Club will also be streaming live on Caffe’ Lena TV. Tickets at caffelena.org
A Rochmon Record Club Listening Party is meant to inform and deepen our understanding of the history of the individual performers, songs, and stories that went into the making of this classic album. By listening together, we hear the music again for the first time. Rochmon Record Club takes place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at Caffe’ Lena in Saratoga Springs (caffelena.org)
Momentum Series: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesSouth Africa's Grammy award-winning choral group melds indigenous Zulu songs and dances with South African isicathamiya (acapella singing). Considered to be an inspiring cultural force by Nelson Mandela, Black Mambazo was first introduced to the world via Paul Simon's Graceland. Since then, they've sold millions of albums worldwide, collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris, and performed for the Queen of England and Pope John Paul II. It is a tremendous honor and joy to give our audience this rare opportunity to see this ensemble in such an intimate setting!
Adam Ezra Group
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesPrepare for an evening of music that’s more than just a performance—Adam Ezra Group brings connection, community, and heart to every note they play. Known for their powerful blend of Americana, activism, and storytelling, this band has carved out a unique space in the music world, winning over fans one show at a time.
Led by the dynamic and passionate Adam Ezra, the group’s journey is as inspiring as their music. With no traditional industry backing, they’ve built their reputation through tireless touring and grassroots connections, earning accolades like the New England Music Award’s Americana Act of the Year (2023). From intimate living room concerts to festival stages, their commitment to creating meaningful experiences for their audience is unmatched.
The band’s sound is a captivating mix of heartfelt lyrics, rich fiddle melodies from Corinna Smith, driving rhythms from Alex Martin on percussion, and the deep grooves of Poche Ponce on bass. Their performances are deeply personal, often featuring songs co-created with their fan community, reflecting the band’s ethos of inclusivity and shared purpose.
With a setlist that ranges from soul-stirring ballads to foot-stomping anthems, an Adam Ezra Group show is a celebration of music’s power to connect and uplift. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their sound, this is a show that will leave you inspired.
Join us at Caffè Lena for a night of unforgettable music and connection with one of today’s most compelling bands.
Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.
Adam Ezra Group
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesPrepare for an evening of music that’s more than just a performance—Adam Ezra Group brings connection, community, and heart to every note they play. Known for their powerful blend of Americana, activism, and storytelling, this band has carved out a unique space in the music world, winning over fans one show at a time.
Led by the dynamic and passionate Adam Ezra, the group’s journey is as inspiring as their music. With no traditional industry backing, they’ve built their reputation through tireless touring and grassroots connections, earning accolades like the New England Music Award’s Americana Act of the Year (2023). From intimate living room concerts to festival stages, their commitment to creating meaningful experiences for their audience is unmatched.
The band’s sound is a captivating mix of heartfelt lyrics, rich fiddle melodies from Corinna Smith, driving rhythms from Alex Martin on percussion, and the deep grooves of Poche Ponce on bass. Their performances are deeply personal, often featuring songs co-created with their fan community, reflecting the band’s ethos of inclusivity and shared purpose.
With a setlist that ranges from soul-stirring ballads to foot-stomping anthems, an Adam Ezra Group show is a celebration of music’s power to connect and uplift. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their sound, this is a show that will leave you inspired.
Join us at Caffè Lena for a night of unforgettable music and connection with one of today’s most compelling bands.
Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.
Mark & Jill
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesCapital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards Blues Artists of the Year. Steeped in the roots of gospel, jazz, and blues, Mark & Jill's music is New Orleans meets Austin on original songs dealing with both the hard realities of life and the joys of being alive.
Special Consensus
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesJoin us at Caffè Lena as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Special Consensus, a renowned bluegrass band that has been captivating audiences since 1975. Founded and led by banjo virtuoso Greg Cahill, recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association's Distinguished Achievement Award and inductee into the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America's Hall of Greats, the band has consistently delivered a contemporary bluegrass sound while honoring its rich traditions.
Over the years, Special Consensus has garnered numerous accolades, including two Grammy nominations and multiple IBMA awards. Their 2018 album, Rivers and Roads, was nominated for a Grammy and earned the IBMA Album of the Year award, with the track "Squirrel Hunters" receiving the Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year. Their 2020 release, Chicago Barn Dance, features the title track that won the IBMA Song of the Year award.
The current lineup features Greg Cahill on banjo, Greg Blake on guitar and vocals, honored as the 2023 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Dan Eubanks on bass, and Brian McCarty on mandolin.
Together, they create a dynamic and engaging musical experience that appeals to bluegrass enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Don't miss this opportunity to witness a milestone performance by Special Consensus as they commemorate five decades of exceptional bluegrass music.
Mindy Smith
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States“Smith’s best songs sound like little miracles.”– USA Today
Join us for a night of heartfelt music and storytelling as acclaimed singer-songwriter Mindy Smith graces the stage at Caffè Lena. Known for her deeply vulnerable lyrics and genre-defying vocals, Mindy has carved a unique path in the Americana and folk world.
This performance celebrates her latest album, Quiet Town, a stunning reflection on love, loss, connection, and renewal. With six studio albums and collaborations with legends like Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, and Matraca Berg, Mindy’s career spans two decades of crafting music that resonates deeply with listeners.
Her hauntingly beautiful rendition of Parton’s "Jolene" was declared by Dolly herself as her favorite version of the iconic song, and Mindy’s signature blend of emotional honesty and musical grace continues to captivate audiences.
Others might struggle against or dismiss vulnerable thoughts and feelings, but Smith has built a career out of expressing the most human of vulnerabilities. In doing so, she lets listeners know it’s normal, and even healthy, to fully experience such fundamentally human feelings.
“I write for one purpose,” she’s been quoted as saying, “and that’s to figure out how to live in the world I am in."
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of Americana’s most celebrated voices.
Rochmon Record Club Listening Party : “Fleetwood Mac”, aka their “White LP”
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesOn Tuesday, April 15, Rochmon Record Club will converge at Caffe’ Lena 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, to listen to, and learn about Fleetwood Mac’s 10th studio album, and second eponymous album, “Fleetwood Mac”, also known as “Fleetwood Mac’s White Album”. Doors open at 6:30, and the show begins at 7 pm with a live audio & video presentation by Chuck Vosganian aka “Rochmon”.
In late 1974 Fleetwood Mac lost singer-songwriter Bob Welch to the call of a solo career. Destiny and coincidence brought Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks to Mick Fleetwood’s attention. In early 1975 Buckingham and Nicks Joined the 7-Year-old British Blues Band as their newest in a series of lead singers and songwriters. Their first album together with songs like “Over My Head”, “Warm Ways”, “Say You Love Me”, “Landslide”, “Rhiannon” and 6 more was an unprecedented success, setting the groundwork for one of the most successful and popular bands in Rock & Roll. As always Rochmon will have some surprises in store! For Rochmaniacs at a distance, Rochmon Record Club will also be streaming live on Caffe’ Lena TV. Tickets at caffelena.org
A Rochmon Record Club Listening Party is meant to inform and deepen our understanding of the history of the individual performers, songs, and stories that went into the making of this classic album. By listening together, we hear the music again for the first time. Rochmon Record Club takes place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at Caffe’ Lena in Saratoga Springs (caffelena.org).
Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.
65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: Dan Berggren
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesJoin us for an evening of heartfelt storytelling and timeless music with recent Eddies Hall of Fame inductee, Dan Berggren, a tradition-based songsmith whose music celebrates the beauty of human connection and the natural world. For over five decades, Dan has captivated audiences near and far, weaving stories with honesty, humor, and a deep sense of place.
Raised in the Adirondacks, Dan’s songs are rooted in the values of home, hard work, and community, yet their reach is universal. His music has traveled across borders—from Kentucky to Zimbabwe, Belgium to Bulgaria—carrying lessons that resonate with audiences everywhere.
As an award-winning musician and educator, Dan has been a beloved presence at Caffè Lena for 40 years. He also co-hosts Folk Club Kids, our weekly program for preschoolers, and runs Sleeping Giant Records, producing over 20 albums of original and traditional folk music. His performances are a celebration of life’s joys and struggles, wrapped in melodies that linger long after the last note fades.
Don’t miss this intimate evening with a local treasure who has touched hearts worldwide. This isn’t just a concert; it’s an experience—rooted in tradition, alive with authenticity, and brimming with heart.
Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.
The Folk Heritage Series is made possible by the Charlie Pickett & Kathleen Rehl Endowment Fund.
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams Unplugged
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesJoin us for a rare and intimate evening with The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, unplugged! This special trio performance features the creative heart of the band: Joziah Longo (vocals/guitar), Tink Lloyd (accordion, cello, mandolin, flute), and Sharkey McEwen (guitar).
Take a peek behind the “Slambovian Curtain” as they strip things down to the essentials, creating a personal and dynamic connection with the audience. You'll hear rarely performed songs from their extensive catalog, plus tracks from their critically acclaimed album, A Very Unusual Head. Of the album, Americana UK said, "9 out of 10 - Love at first spin!"
Expect an evening filled with Woodstock-tinged psychedelia, Americana, and folk-rock, blended with innovative storytelling and heartfelt performances. Their songwriting draws inspiration from legends like Dylan, Bowie, and The Waterboys, delivering an acoustic magic that taps into a deeper human connection.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the "Slambovian" experience, this show is a must-see for anyone who loves innovative music with heart and soul.
Honeysuckle
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesWith a sound that glows with Americana warmth and modern folk energy, Honeysuckle crafts harmonies that captivate and transport. This Upstate NY-based duo, featuring Holly McGarry and Chris Bloniarz, blends lush two-part vocals with intricate arrangements on acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, and subtle synth textures. Their music resonates with fans of Boy & Bear, The Novel Ideas, and Shook Twins, offering a dynamic interplay between traditional folk roots and contemporary sonic landscapes. From delicate ballads to vibrant, foot-tapping melodies, Honeysuckle brings an intimate and immersive live experience that lingers long after the last note fades.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling with Honeysuckle.
Bright Series: Jenny Owen Youngs
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesCaffè Lena is thrilled to welcome Jenny Owen Youngs, a powerhouse songwriter and artist whose journey has taken her from crafting chart-topping hits for others to rediscovering her own voice in the stunning new album, Avalanche. After a decade of co-writing smash singles like Panic! At The Disco’s five-times platinum “High Hopes” and Pitbull’s “Bad Man,” Jenny returns to the stage with her first full-length solo album in ten years—an achingly beautiful exploration of loss, resilience, and self-discovery.
Known for her incredible ability to craft songs that resonate deeply, Jenny’s writing has spanned genres and media, with her work appearing in Weeds, Fifty Shades Freed, and performed on the Grammy stage. But with Avalanche, she’s turned the spotlight inward, creating lush, emotionally charged songs that blend her infectious pop sensibilities with dreamy, layered arrangements.
After years of writing for others, launching wildly popular podcasts (Buffering The Vampire Slayer, The eX-Files), and growing as an artist, Jenny is now embracing a new chapter: one where her own stories take center stage. Join us in our intimate listening room to hear the voice and stories behind some of today’s most iconic hits and experience the powerful, raw honesty of her latest work.
Get your tickets now for an evening of heartfelt connection and unforgettable music. Don’t miss this unique chance to see an artist who’s written for the world now writing for herself.
The Bright Series is made possible by a generous gift from Kevin & Claudia Bright.
Stream this show live at CaffeLenaTV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.