We just passed the 102nd anniversary of Lena Spencer’s birth. In 1960 she introduced espresso to Saratoga Springs and baked desserts for the weekend shows. By the ’70s she’d become a bold and colorful impresario whose off-the-beaten-path venue was part of ushering in the singer-songwriter era and moving American music forward. She did not do it alone. Change was in the air. Lena opened her doors to a community that was excited about new music, freedom, creativity and fun. And that brings us to today, the beginning of Caffe Lena’s 65th Anniversary Year–and the community that you are a part of!

On January 1, Caffe Lena will enter it’s 65th year. Reaching that milestone has a lot to do with great music that stands the test of time. But just as important is a thriving downtown, a community that supports its independent businesses, and people who love to get out of the house and enjoy what’s happening. Among the many thousands (like you!) who have played a part in sustaining the Caffe, there a few heroes who stand out. One of the best known is our front-of-house sound engineer, Joe Deuel. He has worked here for the better part of five decades. From washing dishes and shopping for Lena Spencer’s groceries, to mixing sound for live shows and maintaining our early websites, Joe has been pivotal to the Caffe’s survival. Throughout all those years, he documented concerts and life around the venue with photographs. . .