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folk music
Kevin McKrell
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesMcKrell is a masterful Irish music entertainer who is one of Saratoga’s best known exports. He has played festival stages, clubs and concert halls around the globe, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. His originals have become folk staples throughout the English speaking world, and his wicked sense of humor is nearly as legendary as his songs.
Bright Series: Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesHailed by No Depression as “the future of bluegrass”, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road bring a fresh and dynamic energy to Appalachian stringband music. Rooted in tradition yet brimming with innovation, this award-winning ensemble delivers a powerful blend of storytelling, virtuosic musicianship, and boundary-pushing creativity.
At just 22, North Carolina’s Liam Purcell has already made waves in the bluegrass world—earning accolades like the RockyGrass Instrumental Championships on mandolin, banjo, and guitar and leading Cane Mill Road to the IBMA Momentum Band of the Year award. Drawing inspiration from his Deep Gap roots near Doc Watson’s home and his studies at Berklee College of Music, Liam bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, breathing new life into the genre.
Their latest album, Yellow Line, showcases Liam’s commitment to honoring Appalachian music while adding his own innovations, creating a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. From heartfelt originals to driving bluegrass jams, every performance transports listeners to the front porch of Liam’s mountain home.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road live in Caffè Lena’s intimate listening room—a night of top-tier musicianship and unforgettable bluegrass magic.
The Bright Series is made possible by a generous gift from Kevin & Claudia Bright.
Reverie Road
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesPrepare for an extraordinary night of vibrant, genre-defying Celtic music with Reverie Road. This powerhouse ensemble unites founding Solas members Winifred Horan (fiddle) and John Williams (accordion) with former Gaelic Storm fiddler Katie Grennan and Steinway Artist Jazz and Raga pianist Utsav Lal. Together, these four exceptional musicians are celebrated as some of today’s most accomplished traditional and virtuosic folk artists, captivating audiences worldwide from stages to studios for over three decades.
Reverie Road takes the rich tapestry of Irish music and weaves it into a cinematic experience, full of expressivity and sophistication. Their performances push the boundaries of tradition, offering stunningly innovative interpretations that retain the heart of the genre while embracing a modern twist.
With a sound that masterfully blends Irish roots with fresh departures, their repertoire includes distilled airs, continental waltzes, and high-energy reels and jigs. Whether you're a lover of traditional music or curious about its modern evolution, Reverie Road delivers an exhilarating, boundary-pushing performance that will leave your heart soaring and your toes tapping. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening!
Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesFresh off their first-place win at the 2023 Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival band competition, Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light have been captivating audiences across the Northeast. With songs that are both sweet and biting, Sumner’s lyric-forward writing and intricate, winding chord progressions push far beyond traditional folk conventions. Her powerful vocals are matched by the extraordinary talents of Kat Wallace (fiddle) and Mike Siegel (upright bass), whose dynamic performances elevate the music to breathtaking heights.
Sumner’s career began on the bluegrass circuit with the genre-bending Boston group Twisted Pine, but her solo work has earned her critical acclaim. She won the Lennon Award in the folk category of the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for her song "Radium Girls (Curie Eleison)," secured a spot in the Kerrville New Folk Competition, and was recognized four consecutive years as one of WBUR/NPR’s top Massachusetts entries in the Tiny Desk Competition.
Their latest album, Heartless Things, marks a bold evolution in Sumner's sound, blending elements of chamber-folk and indie-pop with Appalachian balladry and bluesy hooks. This immersive collection showcases her top-notch narrative songwriting while pushing the boundaries of contemporary folk music.
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music that’s redefining what modern folk can be.
Laurie MacAllister of Red Molly
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesJoin us for an unforgettable evening with Laurie MacAllister, the soulful singer-songwriter best known as a part of the beloved Americana trio Red Molly. With her warm, captivating voice and heartfelt storytelling, Laurie has been a cherished figure in contemporary folk music for over two decades. From headlining festivals like MerleFest to lending her voice to the iconic Folgers Coffee jingle, Laurie’s journey has been as remarkable as her music.
Her solo album, The Lies the Poets Tell, is a tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrated by SiriusXM as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.”
In late 2024, Laurie launched her solo career, marking the start of an exciting new chapter. Now, on her Solo Debut Tour, she brings her soul-stirring songs and intimate stage presence to fans old and new.
Driftwood
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesHailing from Upstate New York, Driftwood brings their genre-blending sound to Caffè Lena for an unforgettable evening of music that’s equal parts heartfelt and high-energy. Known for their roots in folk, bluegrass, and rock, the band’s live shows are a celebration—dynamic, intimate, and brimming with joy.
With Joe Kollar, Dan Forsyth, Claire Byrne, and Joey Arcuri at the helm, Driftwood showcases a unique, collaborative approach to songwriting. Expect soaring harmonies, electrifying instrumentals, and stories that resonate deeply with every listener. Whether they’re delivering hard-driving rhythms with blazing energy or stripping it all back for a raw, emotional ballad, Driftwood's live show feels like a shared experience—something honest and unrepeatable.
Their latest album, December Last Call, marks a creative homecoming for the band, blending powerful new sounds with the live energy they’re so beloved for. From foot-stomping anthems to hushed, poignant moments, Driftwood creates a show that feels personal and communal—a place where everyone belongs.
Driftwood
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesHailing from Upstate New York, Driftwood brings their genre-blending sound to Caffè Lena for an unforgettable evening of music that’s equal parts heartfelt and high-energy. Known for their roots in folk, bluegrass, and rock, the band’s live shows are a celebration—dynamic, intimate, and brimming with joy.
With Joe Kollar, Dan Forsyth, Claire Byrne, and Joey Arcuri at the helm, Driftwood showcases a unique, collaborative approach to songwriting. Expect soaring harmonies, electrifying instrumentals, and stories that resonate deeply with every listener. Whether they’re delivering hard-driving rhythms with blazing energy or stripping it all back for a raw, emotional ballad, Driftwood's live show feels like a shared experience—something honest and unrepeatable.
Their latest album, December Last Call, marks a creative homecoming for the band, blending powerful new sounds with the live energy they’re so beloved for. From foot-stomping anthems to hushed, poignant moments, Driftwood creates a show that feels personal and communal—a place where everyone belongs.
Sue Foley
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesPrepare for a captivating musical journey with One Guitar Woman, from Sue Foley’s Grammy® nominated solo acoustic tribute to female pioneers of guitar. Foley’s much-anticipated album on Stony Plain Records was released on March 29, 2024. “The kind of album that will live forever.“ — Americana Highways
One Guitar Woman is more than a tribute show. Foley doesn’t merely cover these artists’ songs; she absorbs their style and inhabits the soul of the music. Her guitar work is so deep and natural that it seems to rise from the same roots that gave birth to the originals, while her vibrant vocals bring new life to the lyrics and make the songs her own.
Esteemed music writer Hal Horowitz notes in Rock & Blues Muse, “The often spellbinding One Guitar Woman … is an enlightening look into her remarkable talents, filtered through the lens of a more intimate expression of the blues.”
Sue Foley is an acclaimed guitarist, singer/songwriter and writer who began her professional career in her teens. She’s released thirteen albums and has garnered several awards, including Traditional Female Artist of the Year at The Blues Music Awards in Memphis four consecutive times. (2020/22/23/24).