Newsletters

November 18 – 24
Jazzmeia Horn makes her Saratoga debut in Caffe Lena’s Momentum Series this Sunday. This rising singer is caring jazz forward. With two Grammy nominations to her name, Jazzmeia is redefining jazz tradition with an exuberant, intellectual approach that is exciting a new generation of fans. “Horn is among the most exciting young vocalists in jazz, with a proud traditionalism that keeps her tightly linked to the sound of classic figures like Nancy Wilson and Betty Carter, but a vivacity of spirit and conviction that places her firmly in the present.”
– The New York Times

November 11-17
Join your neighbors at Spa Little Theater this Saturday for an extraordinary performance of true stories & new songs celebrating the ways people help each other through life’s challenges. TrueSongs demonstrates how Caffe Lena uses music to support both artistic expression and social connection. The show pairs six local people who have overcome significant challenges with professional songwriters to share true stories through words and music. Our exciting line-up of songwriters is Ellis Paul, Carolyn Shapiro, Hayley Reardon, Joe Jencks, Mark Erelli, and Judy Kass. Our organizations are TriCounty Literacy Vols, Alzheimer’s Assoc, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Alliance 180, WAIT House and Cap Dist Latinos.

November 4 – 10
You don’t have to be home alone spending quality time with your frazzled nerves on Tuesday. Caffe Lena will be open! We have a storytelling open mic, with a featured storyteller whose lineage on this soil far pre-dates the USA and its volatile horse races, political and otherwise. David Kanietakeron Fadden is Akwesasne Mohawk, a painter, a storyteller, and a member of the family that founded Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center in Onchiota, NY. So get your voting done, then come on over to Lena’s, set aside the march of events, and immerse yourself in stories. We still have a good number of seats available for the remarkable Michael McDermott on Thursday (don’t miss his song below), and Ryanhood on Sunday. The others are sold out, or about to be sold out.

October 28 – November 3
Odetta, once a household name, sang traditional folk songs. Many people have sung those same songs, but Odetta sang them unlike anyone else. She sang field hollers and folksongs with majesty, and infused every note with the whole story of America. It is that commitment and passion that Gina Coleman and Misty Blues are paying tribute to when Gina sings the songs Odetta made famous. On the brink of a national election, it feels like a perfect time to revisit the songs that helped our people through hard times and powered their liberation.

October 21 – 27
Need a breather this week? Take a couple hours and come on over for a show. Put aside the news cycle and unwind with music. We have a line-up of really fine artists over the next few days and we’d love to see you sitting at one of the tables enjoying yourself. Our own Reese Fulmer has developed into one of the Capital Region’s stand-out original musicians. His show this weekend is already sold out and, yes, that makes us all pretty proud, doesn’t it? On Thursday we have English singer-songwriter John Smith for this month’s Bright Series show. He’s creating a real stir in the indie folk world. House favorite Professor Louie returns on Saturday, and we wrap up on Sunday with early jazz from Brooklyn’s Lovestruck Balladeers. Enjoy the leaves, get some rest, and don’t forget to listen to your favorite music.

October 14 – 20
Tom Paxton’s first weekend at Caffe Lena was in September, 1960. The Caffe was only four months old. Eisenhower was soon to turn over the Oval Office to Kennedy. It was a long time ago. Generations of music lovers know Tom Paxton’s lyric, “Are you going away with no word of farewell / Will there be not a trace left behind.” After six decades as one of the music world’s most influential and prolific songwriters–a clear voice for sanity and compassion–Paxton is bidding farewell to life on the road. He will be coming to Caffe Lena one last time this Friday, and he’ll be at the Eighth Step in Schenectady on Saturday. The in-person show at Lena’s is currently full, but you can stream it live from home HERE.

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.