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live music in Saratoga
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.
65th Anniversary Folk Heritage Series: Ellis Paul
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesHe 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.
JAZZ at Caffè Lena: The Chuck Lamb Duo with Special Guest Joe Locke
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.
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
Blake Christiana
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States"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.
Nate Sabat & Rakish
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesNate 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.
“A Joyful Noise!” Gospel Dinner led by Soulist Garland Nelson
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesSaratoga 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.
Peak Jazz Series: Soggy Po’ Boys
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesThis New England band was an audience favorite at "Caffe Lena @ SPAC 2023" and we've been eager to bring them back to Saratoga ever since. With guitar, reeds, brass and drums, the Po' Boys get the walls shakin'! Their line-up of seven A-list players is spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, playing at concert halls, street corners, festivals and libraries alike. They go beyond NOLA jazz to include the myriad traditions that flow through that city, from traditional Caribbean tunes, to Meters funk, soul, and brass band / street beat music. Hard to imagine a more joyful way to spend a cold February night than with the Po' Boys at Lena's!
The Peak Jazz Series is made possible by the generous support of Joseph & Luann Conlon in memory of Corrine Simonds.
JAZZ at Caffè Lena: The Chuck Lamb Trio with Special Guest John Fedchock
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.
February's show is the Chuck Lamb Trio, and Chuck's special guest, trombonist John Fedchock.
John Fedchock’s illustrious career in jazz has spanned over four decades. Since his emergence on the scene in 1980, Fedchock has established himself as a world-class trombone soloist, a heralded bandleader, and a GRAMMY-nominated arranger.
Yasmin Williams
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United States“When Yasmin Williams plays guitar, she conjures new possibilities and stories from the instrument.” – Rolling Stone
Acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Yasmin Williams has an unorthodox, modern style of guitar playing, using various techniques including alternate tunings, percussive hits, and lap tapping in her music to great effect. Williams’ “radiant sound and adventitious origins have made her a key figure in a diverse dawn for the solo guitar” (The New York Times). Her music has been described as rich, harmonious, and “in a lot of ways, the joy and possibility she brings to the guitar reminds me more of Eddie Van Halen than any of the other fingerstyle guitarists to whom she’s compared” (NPR Music).
Jennifer Knapp with opener Flamy Grant
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesWe were already booked, but there was no way we could pass up the chance to bring these two trailblazers to our audience so we made room for a matinee. Knapp is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, author, speaker, and advocate. Her career includes the remarkable achievement of selling over one million albums with her first three releases: the Gold-certified “Kansas” (1998), “Lay It Down” (2000), and “The Way I Am” (2001). Alongside this commercial success, Knapp has been honored with four Dove Awards and garnered two Grammy nominations. She is the first major artist in the Christian music realm to openly discuss LGBTQ+ identity. Her courageous stance sparked national dialogue and led to appearances on Larry King Live and the TEDx stage. She founded the non-profit organization Inside Out Faith, dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within faith communities.
We're thrilled to welcome opener Flamy Grant back to our stage. She's a powerhouse vocalist, intrepid songwriter, and acclaimed drag queen from western North Carolina who blends folk, gospel, and roots, transporting audiences with therapeutic, theatrical storytelling and song. Her 2022 debut record, Bible Belt Baby, garnered international attention when it reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Christian Charts.
Momentum Series: Henhouse Prowlers
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesFounded two decades ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this Chicago-bred quartet now finds themselves at the intersection of performance, diplomacy, and education.
Onstage, the group's enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much they love what they do. On record, including their latest offering, 2023’s Lead and Iron, released via Dark Shadow Recording – the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers’ music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a keenly developed sound all their own.
Working with the U.S. State Department and under their own nonprofit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, the Prowlers have toured over 25 countries across the globe. The group's experiences with people and musicians across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East have shaped the band’s worldview and broadened the group’s direction towards bridging cultural gaps with music, educational programs, and workshops. Using traditional American music as a foundation, connecting folk music, customs, and history the world over, the Prowlers incorporate international elements into their already robust repertoire of unique traditional American music.
Whether playing live or presenting seminars, wherever they are, the Henhouse Prowlers find and spread the commonality we share as human beings through the universal language of music.
Hot Club of Saratoga
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesStep into the vibrant atmosphere of 1930's Paris with Upstate New York’s premier gypsy swing ensemble, Hot Club of Saratoga! Specializing in the timeless sounds of Django Reinhardt, this dynamic group blends virtuosic musicianship, intricate rhythms, and heartfelt passion to create an unforgettable evening of music. Their music brings the magic of hot swing to life.
Meet the Artists:
Chuck Kish (Rhythm Guitar): Chuck brings the signature “la pompe” rhythm style to life, providing both chordal backup and percussive drive. Self-taught and a dabbling luthier, Chuck even plays a guitar he built himself!
Dylan Perrillo (String Bass): A conservatory-trained bassist, Dylan has toured with legends like Stéphane Wrembel and Aurore Voilqué, holding the ensemble together with his inventive and versatile playing.
Tucker James (Violin): A sought-after violinist and fiddler with a degree in Violin Performance, Tucker transitions seamlessly between jazz, classical, and folk styles, giving his all to every performance.
Jonathan Greene (Woodwinds): With lyrical phrasing and a mastery of multiple styles, Jonathan has shared stages with the likes of Jay Leno and Marcus Roberts, headlined DjangoFest NW, and performed at Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival.
Brad Brose (Lead Guitar): After years performing in legendary jazz manouche clubs across Europe alongside artists like Tchavolo Schmitt and Stochelo Rosenberg, Brad brings his authentic Parisian swing to the stage whenever possible.
This ensemble’s collective experience and talent shine through in every note, whether you’re an avid fan of gypsy jazz or experiencing this timeless genre for the first time. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively and elegant world of Hot Club of Saratoga.
Let the music transport you—straight to the heart of 1930s Paris!
Crys Matthews
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesJoin us for an unforgettable evening with Crys Matthews, hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie” and one of the most compelling voices in social justice music today. A powerful lyricist, Matthews weaves compassionate dissent, hope, and love into songs that resonate deeply with audiences, tackling themes like immigration, the opioid crisis, Black Lives Matter, and gun safety.
Her critically acclaimed album Changemakers solidifies her place among legendary social justice artists like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near. Known for her warm heart, strong voice, and ability to bridge divides, Matthews uplifts and inspires, offering a much-needed message of hope and encouragement in challenging times.
A seasoned performer, Matthews has graced prestigious stages across the country, including Lincoln Center (as the 2017 New Song Music and Performance Competition grand prize winner), the Kennedy Center, Sundance Film Festival, and Kerrville Folk Festival. Her TED Talk, “Sing, Don’t Shout—An Alternative Approach,” reflects her philosophy of using music as a tool for connection and conversation.
Carolyn Shapiro & Band
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesCarolyn Shapiro is an Eddie Award-winning (Capital Region Folk Artist of the Year, 2022) old-time banjo player and songwriter from Glens Falls. Her sound is rooted in the old songs of Appalachia. Trained in the clawhammer style of banjo by Trish Miller and John Kirk, Carolyn blends tradition with her own unique, sultry flavor to create honest music that feeds the soul like a good home-cooked meal.
Her most recent album, Take It Easy (2024), is a 6-song EP is about learning to take care of yourself and finding joy in a difficult world. Produced in collaboration with Jim Mastrianni, the album was recorded live with Connor Armbruster on fiddle, Oona Grady on bass, and James Gascoyne on guitar, who will be joining her for tonight's concert.
Little Folks: FAB5
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United StatesFAB5, a project of Mostly Modern, brings the magic of music to life for kids and families! With a vibrant string quartet and percussion, they blend classical, Celtic, Latin, film scores, and modern tunes into an energetic, interactive experience. Perfect for sparking young imaginations and inspiring a love for music.
Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket.
Made possible by a generous gift from Kevin & Claudia Bright.
The Mallett Brothers Trio
caffe lena 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, NY, United Stateshis band of brothers excels on the live stage, bringing high-energy and an authenticity that fans love. They typically play this area with their full five-piece rock band. Tonight, as Luke and Will Mallett take the Caffe Lena stage in the footsteps of their father, long-time folk favorite David Mallett, they're leaving the drums back home and creating a special, intimate acoustic trio for our venue.
In the spirit of folk music, Mallett Brothers songs are filled with vivid imagery that captures the spirit of rugged Maine landscape where they make their home. They "punch it into high gear" with rock and country instrumentation, creating "gutsy country rock" (Americana UK) that has been celebrated in the pages of Relix, No Depression and Americana Highways.