Newsletters
Oct 7 – 13
Not one, but two shows this Thursday with 12-time Blues Music Award nominee and 4-time winner Vanessa Collier. She’s on tour with her new album, featuring her fiery saxophone and soulful voice. Praised by Rolling Stone as an “up-and-comer” and by American Songwriter as a “queen,” Collier’s performances fuse funk, soul, rock, and blues, fueling her meteoric rise. This concert is being filmed for a television special. Please be aware that audience members may appear on camera.
Sept 30 – Oct 6
Intrepid fans dancing at last year’s Caffe Lena @ SPAC Festival, which turned out to be the rainiest, coldest day of the entire fall season. This proves we can have fun no matter what the weather, especially with a line-up like we have this year! This is a fully professional festival, with fabulous bands and big sound. Our very generous underwriters, Dexter & Deborah Senft and The Nordlys Foundation, covered all the bills so all you have to do is bring your lawn chair, your dancing shoes, and your goodwill. We can’t wait to see you on the lawn at Saratoga Performing Arts Center this Saturday!
September 23 – 29
We all love the cozy listening room at Caffe Lena, but it’s irresistable to be outdoors in beautiful September! If you enjoy your foliage with a side of string band music and the scent of fresh pies and chili; if you like to play silly games and show off your own musical talent; if you like the idea of Caffe Lena providing music education so we can ensure the future of roots music . . . COME to The Fiddles & Foliage Festival! This is a folk festival, community picnic and fundraiser all rolled into one. It’s at the site of the Saratoga Farmer’s Market in High Rock Park, where we have rain cover if we need it, and ample space to spread out if the sun is shining. Bring some spending money with you because you’ll want to enjoy lunch by PJs Bar-B-QSA, and take a chance in the Silent Auction. Auction items include . . .
September 16 – 22
Kate McDonnell & Her Right Hand Men will play songs from their brand new album, Trapeze, this Friday night. Kate’s powerful words and beautiful melodies are ably supported by Sam Zucchini on drums and James Gascoyne on bass. McDonnell is a muscular guitarist with a clear vibrato. The unflinching ballads on her 6th album, Trapeze, features characters who have misstepped, feared, hoped and loved. She has played Newport Folk Festival, Mountain Stage, Kennedy Center, and countless other stages big and small, near and far.
September 9 – 15
First time in Saratoga! After nearly five dozen Grand Ol’ Opry appearances and 5 months at #1 on the bluegrass gospel charts, Brooke & Darin Aldridge bring their stirring harmonies and sizzling picking to our stage on Thursday night. Brooke is IBMA’s reigning Female Vocalist of the Year. Known for ethereal harmonies and a positive, uplifting vibe, their new release, “He’s Getting Me Ready,” a gospel rouser featuring The Oak Ridge Boys, has spent a record-setting 5 months atop the Bluegrass/Gospel Chart.
September 2 – 8
We have just two shows for you this coming weekend. One is already sold out, and the other is getting close. Tickets are still available for Honeysuckle. Irresistible vocal chemistry ignites this duo’s acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin and synth. It’s a plugged in, progressive take on folk informed by their wry attitude toward pop culture and their conservatory training in American roots music. For fans of Boy & Bear, The Novel Ideas, and Shook Twins. We thank you for a strong summer season, and we look forward to sharing so much good music with you this fall.
August 19 – 25
Paul Winter was the first to interweave wolf calls and whale songs with jazz and world music, waking audiences around the world to the music in nature and earning 7 Grammy Awards. This coming weekend marks the first time Mr. Winter has shared his process of creation and his music in a club setting. Experience Winter’s profound musical tapestry and connection to nature in this unforgettable sonic highlight of our summer season. Joined by Brubeck Brothers pianist Chuck Lamb, who anchors Caffe Lena’s jazz programming, and who is the whole reason we get to present this amazing concert.
August 12 – 18
Tony Award nominee and Women Songwriters Hall of Famer Ann Hampton Callaway brings her new show, Finding Beauty: Inspired Classics and Originals, to the intimate comfort of Caffe Lena. Along with her own songs, Callaway’s show comprises classics from her main inspirations: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and many more. Expect AHC hits such as Streisand’s “At the Same Time,” as well as AHC originals co-written with Oscar winner Alan Bergman, Grammy winner Melissa Manchester, and Grammy nominee, Amanda McBroom. This will be a spellbinding show of rousing showstoppers and exquisite ballads, as we follow the arc of Ann’s musical inspiration!
August 5 – 10
We had the BEST time last August when Katryna and Nerissa Nields returned to Caffe Lena for their first show in many, many years–so we’re doing it again! Gorgeous sister harmonies, original folk/pop songs and hilarious banter have made The Nields an indie favorite since the early ’90s. If you like The Indigo Girls and The Roches, you’ll love these two. Their generosity and warmth in performance is legendary.
July 29 – August 4
The upbeat Colorado bluegrass trio Stillhouse Junkies returns to our stage on Thursday. They drove 37 hours to play the East Coast so let’s give them a big welcome! (photo Renee Cornue Studio) Enjoy their roots and bluegrass with a hint of blues and Texas swing. Hailing from Durango, CO, they’ve gained major traction in the bluegrass world in recent years – including winning the IBMA Momentum Band of the Year award. Fans coast to coast are loving the band’s nuanced songcraft and soul-stirring harmonies.