Click on any event title to get more information and tickets.
live music in Saratoga
Folk Club Kids! Dance tunes, Sing Alongs & Stories! Free / infants – pre-k
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
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
Folk Club Kids! Dance tunes, Sing Alongs & Stories! Free / infants – pre-k
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States
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.
Skidmore Songwriters
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesA free community concert by students in Skidmore Senior-Artist-in-Residence Joel Brown’s semester-long songwriting workshop.
What better way to celebrate Skidmore College’s Songwriting Workshop than to showcase these talented students' work at Caffè Lena? Join Joel Brown and his class for a concert of sometimes nostalgic, sometimes fun, but always thoughtful songwriting! This community concert gives Saratogians a chance to experience the hard work going on in Skidmore’s celebrated music department. Free admission – donations welcome. Caffe Lena’s full menu will be available.
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.
Darlingside
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesCaffè Lena has been pivotal to Darlingside’s journey since 2013 when the band first performed as part of our Emerging Artist Breakout series. Annual shows here helped them gain national attention, with NPR describing their indie rock as “exquisitely arranged, literary minded, baroque folk-pop.” Their elegant compositions and unified voices have earned praise from Rolling Stone and The New Yorker, fostering a worldwide following.
Their fourth LP, Everything Is Alive, brings fresh new sounds. Exploring themes of personal and universal change, the album delves into big life decisions, emphasizing loss and redemption. Produced and recorded by the band and mixed by Tucker Martine (My Morning Jacket, Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine), it showcases Darlingside’s evolution while retaining signature harmonies and melodic sophistication.
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
Jonathan Greene and The Grand Boubousse
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesLet The Grand Boubousse transport you to the era of speakeasies and swing dance halls! The Grand Boubousse, French for "Big Blowout," is an electrifying early jazz collective showcasing top Capital Region talent, including clarinet virtuoso Jonathan Greene, anchor of the popular gypsy jazz group Hot Club of Saratoga.
Born at the start of the last century, early jazz blends Black American musical traditions with European influences, creating the infectious rhythms and melodies that defined the Jazz Age.
Local swing clarinetist Jonathan Greene has spent the better part of the past three years living and performing in NYC, New Orleans, Paris, Berlin and the UK. Greene will present a night of 1930s' swing music featuring some of the most in-demand Northeast-based musicians. The band features swing pianist Mark Shane (who played with Benny Goodman), Brad Brose on guitar, Sean Cronin on bass, and Kevin Dorn on drums.
The ensemble revives classics from Louis Armstrong to Django Reinhardt, lighting up the room with high spirits and warm nostalgia. Whether you're a longtime jazz aficionado or new to the genre, Jonathan Greene and The Grand Boubousse promise an evening of irresistible rhythms and soulful solos that take you back to the golden age of jazz. And for fans of Greene’s work with Hot Club of Saratoga, this is a night not to be missed!
JAZZ at Caffe Lena with the Chuck Lamb Trio and Special Guest Jimmy Greene
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.
This month's special guest is the GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist, Jimmy Greene. Greene’s soulful sound and inspiring music has earned praise from publications like Jazzwise Magazine, which describes him as “one of the most striking young tenors of recent years.”
Greene is currently an Associate Professor of Music and Co-Coordinator of Jazz Studies at Western Connecticut State University and has performed and recorded with a wide array of iconic artists, including Horace Silver, Harry Connick Jr., and Ron Carter.
JAZZ at Caffe Lena is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
The Millstone Rounders
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesThis brand new band of seasoned players is getting a nice little buzz going in the Capital Region! Caffe stalwarts Oona Grady, James Gascoyne and Matt Griffin are joined by upstate banjo picker Benny Bleu and one more special guest TBA. Expect old-time, bluegrass, blues and country tunes on fiddle, banjo, guitar and string bass.
Featuring Oona Grady, Benny Bleu, James Gascoyne, Eric Marjan, and Matt Griffin, The Millstone Rounders play and sing classic country, bluegrass, blues, and more in timeless style - completely acoustic around a single mic. Easy on the ears, food for the soul!
The Singing Anchors Reunion Holiday Show featuring Jerry Gretzinger, Jessica Layton & Benita Zahn
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesThe Capital Region's own Singing Anchors are back with a program of seasonal songs that's perfect for a night of holiday cheer with your friends and family. Since 2009, Jerry Gretzinger, Benita Zahn, and Jessica Layton have charmed audiences across the Capital Region by stepping off the TV news set and onto the stage. These celebrated news anchors turned performers have built a lasting connection with fans.
In 2015, Jessica moved to the New York City market, where she now anchors for MSNBC and occasionally on NBC's Early Today Show. Jerry and Benita continued as co-anchors at WNYT, touring with their show, Side By Side, for two years. Benita stepped away from WNYT in 2021 after more than 30 years on Albany’s airwaves, and in 2022, Jerry left his anchor role to join the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) as Associate Commissioner for Internal & External Affairs.
Don’t miss this rare chance to experience The Singing Anchors live again! It’s an evening made for reminiscing and celebrating the season with warmth and song.
Nefesh Mountain: The Love & Light Tour
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesA New York-based progressive bluegrass band has found the shared heritage of Jewish spirituality and American folk and Appalachian bluegrass musical traditions.
Racquette River Rounders Annual Boxing Day Reunion Show
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesGuitarist Danny Gotham and singer-songwriter John Kribs formed the Rounders in 1978 along with the late bassist Michael Hadfield. They play everything from traditional reels and jigs to Fats Waller, Elvis Presley and their own originals. They officially disbanded in 1982, but their annual Boxing Day Reunion Show at Lena's has become a cherished annual event for die-hard fans and newcomers, alike.
Momentum Series: New American Cuisine
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesBen Crandall (guitar/vocals), Bryce North (guitar/vocals), Jordon Gyarmathy (bass) and Henry McCabe (drums) were high school classmates right here in Saratoga Springs not so long ago. A high school pep rally gave them their first taste of performing as New American Cuisine, and the positive response made them decide to get serious about the band. Inspired by The Beatles and John Mayer to Dispatch and the Lumineers, they established a lush, indie pop sound. Filled with hooks and driven by melody, they spice up their songs with catchy vocal harmonies and decisive percussion and bass. NAC’s first single, “Lily of the Aztecs,” and 2022’s “Talking” got traction after spins on EQXposure. The band has continued to work hard, get incredibly good, and put out really strong new songs. Their tickets sell fast, so don't delay!
The Momentum Series is made possible by the generous support of Joseph and Luann Conlon in honor of Thom O'Neil.
Momentum Series: New American Cuisine
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesBen Crandall (guitar/vocals), Bryce North (guitar/vocals), Jordon Gyarmathy (bass) and Henry McCabe (drums) were high school classmates right here in Saratoga Springs not so long ago. A high school pep rally gave them their first taste of performing as New American Cuisine, and the positive response made them decide to get serious about the band. Inspired by The Beatles and John Mayer to Dispatch and the Lumineers, they established a lush, indie pop sound. Filled with hooks and driven by melody, they spice up their songs with catchy vocal harmonies and decisive percussion and bass. NAC’s first single, “Lily of the Aztecs,” and 2022’s “Talking” got traction after spins on EQXposure. The band has continued to work hard, get incredibly good, and put out really strong new songs. Their tickets sell fast, so don't delay!
The Momentum Series is made possible by the generous support of Joseph and Luann Conlon in honor of Thom O'Neil.
Lost Leaders
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesThis 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.
Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesWith 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!
24 Song Salute to 2024
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States24 Song Salute to 2024
Los Sugar Kings : Free with Saratoga New Year Badge : Hot Sounds of the Caribbean
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesWith 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!
Little Folks: The Nields
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesFor 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.
Super 400
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesWe'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.
Gareth Pearson
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States"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.
Peak Jazz Series: Old Friends Beckoned/New Sounds Reckoned
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesSteckler / 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.