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concerts
Tom Paxton & The Don Juans
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesTom Paxton & The DonJuans
Ari Hest with opener Jacob Shipley
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesAri Hest with opener Jacob Shipley
Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesSara Milonovich & Daisycutter
Bright Series: John Smith
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesBright Series: John Smith
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band Album Release
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesReese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band
Professor Louie & The Crowmatix
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesProfessor Louie & The Crowmatix
The Lovestruck Balladeers
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesThe Lovestruck Balladeers
Bright Series: Maya de Vitry
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesBright Series: Maya de Vitry
Little Folks Series: Jenna Nicholls
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesWhether she’s belting out a New Orleans-style number on her ukulele, singing an original cowboy tune or lush ballad at the piano, this multi-instrumentalist gives vintage sounds a new life. Your kids will love Jenna's fun show!
Misty Blues: I’m Too Old For Games – Album Release & Live Tribute To Odetta
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesMisty Blues
Christopher Paul Stelling
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesChristopher Paul Stelling
Michael McDermott
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesMichael McDermott
Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesJim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys
Still Rockin’ In the Free World: A Tribute to Neil Young
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United Statesanadian 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.
Skidmore Jazz Students
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesEnjoy an evening of diverse jazz styles and inspiring talent as the jazz music students of Skidmore College take the stage with their guitars, brass, reeds, keyboards, drums and vocals. They never fail to put on a truly engaging show of jazz standards and contemporary compositions. This free community concert gives Saratogians a chance to experience the hard work going on in Skidmore’s celebrated music department.
Christie Lenée with opener Ryan David Green
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesChristie Lenée
Dana Cooper – Album Release
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesCooper 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.
TrueSongs: Lyrics of Life 2024
Spa Little Theatre 19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs, United StatesNow 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.
Lucy Kaplansky
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesLucy Kaplansky is an acclaimed singer-songwriter of rare talent, “a truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs” (The New Yorker) and “the troubadour laureate of modern city folk” (The Boston Globe). She has released eight critically acclaimed albums, two of which were awarded Best Pop Album of the year by the Association for Independent Music. But where she shines brightest is on the live stage. Maybe it's her background as a clinical psychologist, because there's nobody who helps us unwind, let our guard down, and open our hearts like Lucy Kaplansky. She makes every audience feel like a circle of old friends catching up and reconnecting. Kaplansky is also part of folk supergroup Cry Cry Cry with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell. Her recording of Roxy Music’s “More Than This” has over 12 million streams on Spotify, and she has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, and Morning Edition as well as BBC Radio, and CBS Sunday Morning, and has sung harmony on albums by Suzanne Vega, Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin.
Annie & The Hedonists
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesAnnie & 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.
Momentum Series: Jazzmeia Horn
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesJazzmeia Horn
Momentum Series: Jazzmeia Horn
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesJazzmeia Horn
Arlen Roth Band
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesNicknamed the Master of the Telecaster Arlen Roth is also a renowned acoustic guitarist and expert slide player. He's regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He has toured and recorded with Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Phoebe Snow, Levon Helm, Ry Cooder, John Sebastian, Janis Ian, Eric Andersen, The Bee Gees and so many more. His instructional Hot Licks Videos have sold more than 2.5 million copies across the globe. He has been voted in the Top 50 Acoustic Guitarists of All-Time by Gibson.com, and in the Top 100 Most Influential Guitarists of All-Time by Vintage Guitar Magazine.
So, what does he sound like when he takes the stage with fellow guitarists Chris Foley and Eddie Denise, as he will at Lena's tonight? You'll get everything from tender and gentle instrumentals, to swamp pop, funk, soul and classic rock 'n roll. In other words, a very fun and moving show by the best of the best!
Fred Small
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesPolitical 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.
Poetry Open Mic featuring Effy Redman
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesEffy Redman
SIRSY
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesIt’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.
SIRSY
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesIt’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.