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live music in Saratoga
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Lost Leaders
Lost Leaders
This duo is a major find. NYC singer and irresistible personality Peter Cole, along with two-time GRAMMY-winner Byron Isaacs (current member of The Lumineers), have done weird tours and triumphant tours, placed lots of songs in film and TV, and maintained a sense of humor and artistic authenticity throughout. They've branched out from their early commitment to Americana and entered a retro pop/rock universe. Their anthemic songs push the national zeitgeist through vintage synthesizers, guitar pedals and tea-soaked vocal cords to create songs that are triumphant, unguarded and singable.
This twosome was born out of Levon Helm’s legendary Midnight Ramble and quickly earned attention in the pages of RELIX, No Depression and The Huffington Post. Their eponymously titled first album yielded the successful radio track “I’m Gonna Win” and started their journey through years of weirdness and magic which continues in their newest collection, Hungry Ghosts, an exploration of desire and acceptance.
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Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
With a unique roots-rock-reggae repertoire, Los Sugar Kings draw from Afro-Cuban styles, Salsa, and Rumba-Flamenca music. Their dynamic live shows pull the audience in close, with both sides entering a space that's passionate, thoughtful, and joyful.
Frontman Patino Vazquez (vocals, guitar, tres), is a charismatic showman who is at once approachable and mesmerizing. Add in the African-influenced undulations of Mikael Mersha (vocals, bass/contrabass), the soaring, take-you-for-a-ride solos and harmonic accompaniment by Daniel Abreu (saxophone, piano, vocals), and the soulful voice and talents of Tony Curtis Hall (drums, percussion, vocals) and you've got a party breaking out wherever Los Sugar Kings perform. What a great way to heat up your New Year's Eve!
Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
With a unique roots-rock-reggae repertoire, Los Sugar Kings draw from Afro-Cuban styles, Salsa, and Rumba-Flamenca music. Their dynamic live shows pull the audience in close, with both sides entering a space that's passionate, thoughtful, and joyful.
Frontman Patino Vazquez (vocals, guitar, tres), is a charismatic showman who is at once approachable and mesmerizing. Add in the African-influenced undulations of Mikael Mersha (vocals, bass/contrabass), the soaring, take-you-for-a-ride solos and harmonic accompaniment by Daniel Abreu (saxophone, piano, vocals), and the soulful voice and talents of Tony Curtis Hall (drums, percussion, vocals) and you've got a party breaking out wherever Los Sugar Kings perform. What a great way to heat up your New Year's Eve!
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Little Folks: The Nields
Little Folks: The Nields
For more than 30 years, Nerissa & Katryna Nields have charmed audiences with their generation-bridging music. Breaking out in the ‘90s as an alt-rock band, they became that rare band that teens and parents could agree on. Once they became parents themselves, they began sprinkling shows for little ones into their tours, playing sets of family-friendly originals with folk classics, creating an engaging, all-ages experience.
The sisters evoke the spirit of Pete Seeger with audience sing-alongs. Expect your kids to shout out answers to their questions, and participate in raucous clap-alongs to new classics like "Molly the Donkey." The atmosphere is a joyful, participatory experience where children and adults alike join in song and laughter.
Raised in a musical family, the Nields sisters learned harmony around the kitchen table. Their deep connection to folk music, passed down from their parents, informs every performance. As Nerissa says, "Singing together is heaven on earth." Their vibrant shows reflect that belief, celebrating the power of music to bring people together.
Made possible by the generous support of Kevin & Claudia Bright.
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Super 400
Super 400
We're not going to pretend that this original power trio counts as folk music, but we are thrilled to bring them to the Caffe Lena stage because their deep-hearted songs are fabulous, they love the room, and wow do they know how to connect with an audience!
Joe Daley (drums) and Kenny Hohman (guitar) have been playing together since middle school. Lori Friday (bass) joined them in 2002 to form Super 400, a band that has now been honored by their hometown of Troy with a "Super 400 Day," and induction into the Capital Region Eddies Hall of Fame.
Musically, they’re exploring new dynamics of light, shade and nuance these days. The shuffling, slinky fan favorite “Honey and Coffee” might be the most infectious and soulful number in their repertoire, while the atmospheric stomper “Thank the Moonlight,” with Lori on lead vocals, proves they’ve still got fresh, thumping grooves. Life changes have also shaped the direction of the trio’s songwriting: two of their more recent tunes, the buoyant and melodic rockers “Dream of You” and “Only Child,” are intensely personal.
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Gareth Pearson
Gareth Pearson
"Fast becoming one of the world's most renowned instrumental guitarists" (BBC Radio Wales), Welsh guitar virtuoso Gareth Pearson is a scion in the musical family tree that includes Tommy Emmanuel, Stefan Grossman, Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, as well as newcomers Christie Lenée and Daniel Champagne.
Nicknamed "The Welsh Tornado" for his fretboard pyrotechnics, his original pieces draw from a rich palette of folk, classical, funk, pop and jazz. His fast-growing international reputation is built on phenomenal musicianship and charming, humorous stagecraft.
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Peak Jazz Series: Old Friends Beckoned/New Sounds Reckoned
Peak Jazz Series: Old Friends Beckoned/New Sounds Reckoned
Steckler / Ikawa / Plaxico / Lewis brings together four mighty jazz musicians with rich, intersecting histories. Their project, Old Friends Beckoned / New Sounds Reckoned (Skydeck), blends their considerable individual artistry into a collective voice through original compositions where personal prowess is set aside in favor of deeper collaboration. The result is a seamless, emotive sound that resonates with listeners.
Capital Region native Matt Steckler (Matty Stecks), described as “delightfully eclectic” by Downbeat and “inspired by greater artistic depth” by Jazz Times, is a versatile performer and composer. Primarily a saxophonist and woodwind specialist, he also incorporates vocals, keyboards, percussion, and electronic media into his performances. Recognized for his work with groups like Dead Cat Bounce and Persiflage, Steckler has performed at major festivals in North America and Europe, always bringing a dynamic, holistic approach to the stage.
Pianist/composer Yayoi Ikawa, born in Tokyo and raised musically in New York, embodies creativity and empathy in her playing. Her 2004 release Angel Eyes showcased her talent in a straight-ahead jazz piano trio, while her self-produced Color of Dreams highlighted her original compositions. Ikawa, who has performed at festivals across the U.S., Japan, Italy, and more, believes jazz is a social art form and strives to pass it on to future generations.
Bassist Lonnie Plaxico integrates the rigorous technique of classical, the improvisation of jazz, and the rawness of funk. His career has seen collaborations with the likes of Sonny Sitt, Alice Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Sample, Abbey Lincoln, and Dizzy Gillespie. Plaxico has also released five albums as a leader, each met with critical acclaim.
Drummer Tony Lewis, a South Bronx native, has played with Little Richard, Sting, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Hill’s Blues Mob, and several others. A graduate of NYC's famous LaGuardia High School of the Arts, his wide-ranging career spans jazz, blues, and funk, with music rooted in his deep connection to family and tradition.
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65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: Ellis Paul
65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: Ellis Paul
He doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, and losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous folk-pop music that will keep playing in your head long after the show ends. Much like the artists who influenced him--everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to The Beatles--Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and turns them into provocative songs that are as timely as they are timeless.
His latest album, 55, is reflective, adult, and joyous. Written and produced during the pandemic shutdown, it addresses themes of romantic love, dreams of favorite faraway places, friendship, art, and bittersweet nostalgia.
His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). He's the winner of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, and the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year.
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JAZZ at Caffè Lena: The Chuck Lamb Duo with Special Guest Joe Locke
JAZZ at Caffè Lena: The Chuck Lamb Duo with Special Guest Joe Locke
The 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.
January 2025 kicks off with, a show with the Chuck Lamb Duo, and Chuck's special guest, vibraphonist Joe Locke. This show will be piano, bass and vibes.
Locke is widely considered to be one of the major voices of his instrument. He has performed and recorded with a diverse range of notable musicians, including Grover Washington Jr, Raul Midón, Kenny Barron, Eddie Henderson, Cecil Taylor, Dianne Reeves, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, The Beastie Boys, the Münster Symphony Orchestra, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna and the Lincoln, Nebraska Symphony.
“Not only has he mastered an instrument that has catapulted only a handful of players to the forefront of modern jazz – but he has done so in a way that transcends mere technique and establishes him as a unique and adventurous musical voice.”
— Derek Richardson, San Francisco Bay Guardian
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Blake Christiana
Blake Christiana
"We tell stories, live and in the studio, truth and fiction,” says singer-songwriter Blake Christiana, founder and lead songwriter for this 4x Grammy balloted roots rock band. Originally from Schenectady, Blake has been bringing his songs to the Caffe Lena stage for two decades, first with Blake & The Family Dog, and then with Brooklyn-based Yarn. Now making his home in Raleigh, NC, the last couple years have seen him out playing solo when not on the road with Yarn. "You can hear him struggling with his feelings, whether it’s on a skittering country shuffle or on a mid-tempo folk ballad or a straight-ahead rocker. His . . . outstanding roots band has shared stages with Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart, Alison Krauss, and Leftover Salmon, among many others." Passionate, authentic and famously great at connecting with the people in the seats, Christiana's solo gigs are getting high marks from fans up and down the east coast.
The group was formed when Matt Turk and C Lanzbom joined forces a little over six years ago. Bassist Dave Richards, banjo player Boo Reiners and fiddler Kensuke Shoji complete this fine group of seasoned pros exploring the life works of Jerry Garcia on the instruments that first inspired him. NYS Music describes the band as “improv-laden … phenomenal chops … capturing the vocal harmonies and intonations led by Garcia … refreshing and fun,” and Cindy O. Herman of the Daily Item says, “Anyone who loves The Dead and appreciates a well detailed, thoughtful and respectful group of superb musicians artistically intercepting the music will have a spectacular night.” So grab your dancing shoes, embrace the tie-dye spirit, and join Deadgrass on a wild ride through a musical landscape where bluegrass meets psychedelic jamming, creating an unforgettable experience that will have you craving more long after the last note fades away.
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Nate Sabat & Rakish
Nate Sabat & Rakish
Nate Sabat: Nate Sabat is well known to Caffe Lena audiences as the bassist for house favorite Mile Twelve. With upright bass as his sole instrument, Nate crafts wildly intricate arrangements. With original songs rooted in American folk music, he takes full advantage of the never-ending variety of sounds and textures the bass has to offer. GRAMMY-winning cellist Eugene Friesen says, “Nate has so much going for him: The ability to propel any groove with chops and subtlety, a sweet bow sound that can vocalize any melody, fiercely great intonation, and, most importantly, a musical intelligence and intuition that operates with a constant smile.”
Rakish: Violinist Maura Shawn Scanlin and guitarist Conor Hearn share a background in traditional Irish and Scottish music, which is why they named themselves after the Irish tune Rakish Paddy. “Rakish” also describes their jaunty approach to old traditional tunes and chamber music. Maura Shawn, a two-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a winner of the Glenfiddich Fiddle Competition, wields the technical skill of a classical violinist and the soul of a folk musician. Guitarist Conor was raised in the Irish music communities of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD. As a duo they have performed at venues and festivals across North America, and can be found teaching at fiddle camps across the country.
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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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