Step Inside Lena’s
Step Inside!
In 2016, we embarked on a $2 million renovation project to update our facility. We expanded our occupancy, updated our kitchen, became handicap accesible and created a new administrative suite for our expanding staff. Since the remodel, the Caffe has been reborn and seen new programming, legendary acts, and record breaking numbers. Along with being the oldest continuously operating folk music venue in the country, Caffe Lena now stands as a world class venue with the best listening room in the Capital Region.
Caffè Lena Late Night Sessions
Filmed in stunning 4k footage by our production partners at Electric City Pictures and Diamond Grade Media, the Caffè Lena Late Night Sessions show a new side of America’s oldest continuously operating coffeehouse. These live recordings are done after the audience has gone home, when candles are lit and some of the old magic is drawn out of Lena’s historic listening room.
Paper-Cut Lightboxes
We commissioned Brooklyn artist Andrew Benincasa to create a series of three paper-cut lightboxes to serve as the crown jewels of our reborn listening room. Read Andrew’s artist statement here. You can watch the entire creation process in this time-lapse video, with music provided by The East Pointers.
The Storied Tables of Caffe Lena: Preserving the Story and Spirit of a Legendary Venue
By Kathleen Rehl & Charlie Pickett
The tables featured between these pages represent $289,000 of donations, a significant portion of the campaign that saved our historic home from the wrecking ball back in 2015 – 2017. These donations were given with genuine love, and with the sincere belief that Caffè Lena has an important role to play in the life of our city, and in the future of folk music. Take a moment to feel that love and hope as you read about Caffè Lena’s storied tables.
CLICK THE COVER TO SEE INSIDE >>
