Open Mic

Marty Wendell marks 60 years as a professional musician with a show at Caffe Lena this Saturday. He'll be accompanied by The Bluebillies for a fun romp through his rockabilly and country originals, along with tributes to the artists who inspired him, including Marty's one-time band leader, Johnny Cash. On stage and on his 18 albums, some recorded at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis, Rockabilly Hall of Famer Wendell weaves roots, Americana and, of course, Rockabilly. In addition to fronting his own band, he has toured with some of the biggest names in the music business, including Johnny Cash. Tonight’s 60th Anniversary Retrospective brings us the songs and stories old and new, classics and originals, that have shaped his remarkable life in music. Special guest artists The Bluebillies join in celebrating Wendell's 60th Anniversary.

If you're new to our legendary venue, Roy Book Binder, playing this Saturday, is a must-see. Roy takes us back to the Real Deal Caffe Lena. This six-decade veteran of the folk circuit has the stories, the licks, and sounds of America's heritage in his fingers. His eclectic repertoire includes blues, country tunes & originals. He’s been featured on PBS, NPR’s “Fresh Air,” and is a regular teacher at Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch. His one-man bluesfest has been an annual treat for Lena's audiences since 1967.

With her powerful new album LEGACY and an opener for Jason Isbell, Nashville singer-songwriter KYSHONA has been putting her amazing artistry in front of tens of thousands of new fans. Catch her in the intimate setting of Caffe Lena this Thursday! As “One of the most compassionate and uplifting young voices in Nashville today.” (NPR) Kyshona began her career as a music therapist, writing her first songs with students and inmates under her care. Her original roots, rock, R&B, and folk has drawn praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, Billboard and CMT.

Toronto singer-songwriter Abigail Lapell is our Bright Series pick for May. In the words of Brooklyn Vegan, "Abigail writes songs that stop you in your tracks." She's coming to Lena's on Thursday for her very first visit to the Capital Region. “Traces of Natalie Merchant, Sharon Van Etten, Frazey Ford and Sandy Denny." – Folk Radio UK  Her '70s folk-rock vibe feels unhurried and other-worldly. Over the past five years, she has garnered two prestigious Canadian Folk Music Awards, hit number one on Canadian folk radio and currently has more than 350K monthly listeners on Spotify, and climbing fast. But as good as her recordings are, her live show is even better. She has wisdom and charisma that grabs your attention and doesn't let it go.