Caffe Lena

Caffe Lena Welcome to Caffe Lena, the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the country!
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Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting steeped in history. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and we have been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for our important contributions to the development of American music. Yet we are proud to stay tru

e to Lena Spencer's founding vision of simplicity, kindness to strangers and art above profit. Every night we treat our audience, online or in person, to an unparalleled listening experience in a community gathering space that is inspiring and inclusive. In keeping with Lena’s devotion to presenting deserving talent regardless of fame, our diverse programming sets the stage for musical discovery year ’round. First opened in 1960, our roots are entwined with the social movements of that era. Emerging artists such as Bob Dylan, The Freedom Singers, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris and Don McLean played our stage, along with esteemed veterans such as Clarence Ashley, Mississippi John Hurt, Skip James and Pete Seeger. Now the leading small venue in the Capital Region and beyond, we hold numerous "Best Of" awards including “Best Small Venue” in North America by Folk Alliance International. The Caffe's programming now extends beyond live music performance as we offer online music classes for children and adults, community programs and more. Check out our online schedule here: https://www.caffelena.org/

Caffe Lena's programs are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Whether you’re celebrating with a sweetheart, flying solo, or cherishing the love of friends & music, today is all about...
02/14/2025

Whether you’re celebrating with a sweetheart, flying solo, or cherishing the love of friends & music, today is all about connection. And what better way to celebrate than with live music that stirs the soul? 🎶

Music has a way of speaking the words we can’t always say—heartfelt ballads, joyful tunes, and songs that bring us together. Whether love means romance, friendship, self-care, or community, we see you, we celebrate you, and we can’t wait to share more incredible music with you. 💛

🎶Join us for one of our upcoming shows and let music set the mood. Check out our lineup: caffelena.org

What’s the most romantic or meaningful song in your life? Drop it in the comments! ❤️🎶

🌹Mary Fahl: Gothic Romance & Timeless Music ✨ There is no better day than Valentine’s Day to invite you to step into a w...
02/14/2025

🌹Mary Fahl: Gothic Romance & Timeless Music ✨

There is no better day than Valentine’s Day to invite you to step into a world of gothic romanticism with Mary Fahl (former lead singer of October Project) whose hauntingly powerful voice and sweeping, cinematic soundscapes have captivated audiences since her days as the lead singer of October Project. Known for her dramatic melodies, lush harmonies, and deeply emotional performances, Fahl creates music that feels both darkly enchanting and passionately heartfelt.

Her latest album, Can’t Get It Out of My Head, reimagines classics from Pink Floyd, George Harrison, The Moody Blues, and more—songs that shaped her as an artist and now take on new life through her unique voice. 🌙

📅 When: February 22 | 8 PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ Tickets: caffelena.org

Whether you’re celebrating love, heartbreak, or mystery today, look forward to a beautiful performance by Mary Fahl. 💫

New York State Council on the Arts

The birthday dude!
02/14/2025

The birthday dude!

Spend a dark winter’s night with me at Caffe Lena on Saturday, February 15th at 8:00 PM Eastern. Come in from the cold for some live music with friends (with a side of their famous chocolate chip cookies). Not in the area, or still hibernating? Have other plans? We’ve got you covered! Watch the stream - either live or on demand for one week following the show.
Tickets www.caffelena.org

Happy Birthday to Tom Chapin from your friends at Caffè Lena! We’ll celebrate in the 15th when you’re here.
02/14/2025

Happy Birthday to Tom Chapin from your friends at Caffè Lena! We’ll celebrate in the 15th when you’re here.

🎶For two decades, Henhouse Prowlers have been redefining bluegrass—pushing its boundaries while staying true to its root...
02/13/2025

🎶For two decades, Henhouse Prowlers have been redefining bluegrass—pushing its boundaries while staying true to its roots. This Chicago-bred quartet blends high-energy picking, intricate harmonies, and powerful storytelling, making every performance a thrilling, one-of-a-kind experience.

Beyond the stage, they are cultural ambassadors, using bluegrass as a bridge between traditions and people. Through their nonprofit Bluegrass Ambassadors and collaborations with the U.S. Department of State they’ve traveled to 25+ countries, connecting folk music across continents and bringing new influences into their sound. 🌍✨

📅 Date: Sunday 2/16 at 7 PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ Tickets: caffelena.org

Come experience a band that lives and breathes bluegrass, while embracing the universal language of music! 🎻🔥

New York State Council on the Arts

🧠💙 Using Social Media for Mental WellnessSocial media can be a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and inspiration...
02/13/2025

🧠💙 Using Social Media for Mental Wellness

Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and inspiration—but only if we use it mindfully! Here are some tips for positive social media habits:

✔️ Follow uplifting content—hashtags like , , and can help inspire and ground you.
✔️ Engage with gratitude—sharing and reposting positive, thoughtful content can boost both your mood and others’.
✔️ Balance online & offline life—social media should enhance, not replace, real-world connections.
✔️ Use it for creativity! Follow artists, musicians, and communities that inspire your passions. 🎶🎨
✔️ Be mindful of privacy & credibility—think before you share and regularly check your security settings.

Let’s make social media a place for encouragement, creativity, and real connection. What’s your favorite way to keep social media a positive space? Drop it in the comments! 💬👇


Photo by Davis Latta

Two extraordinary artists -- Pete Muller & Cassandra Kubinski —come together for a special night of piano-driven storyte...
02/13/2025

Two extraordinary artists -- Pete Muller & Cassandra Kubinski —come together for a special night of piano-driven storytelling, raw emotion, and captivating melodies.

Both have headlined their own shows at Caffè Lena, but a chance meeting revealed their shared love of piano pop and a deep passion for exploring the human heart through song.

🎹 Pete Muller—a Princeton grad turned Wall Street innovator—left the finance world to follow his first love: music. Backed by The Kindred Souls, Pete's songs reflect on the push and pull of life’s greatest struggles—responsibility vs. desire, predictability vs. adventure.

🎤 Cassandra Kubinski, an actress, activist, and powerhouse singer-songwriter, has shared stages with Goo Goo Dolls , 10,000 Maniacs and Lana Del Rey With a fierce yet delicate touch, her piano pop transcends genres, earning praise from none other than Billy Joel himself.

📅 Date: 2/20 at 7 PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ Tickets: caffelena.org

This is a rare opportunity to witness two unique voices collide in a night of wonderful music. Don’t miss it! 🎶

02/13/2025

Join us for an evening of soulful, old-time banjo and heartfelt songwriting with , the 2022 Capital Region Folk Artist of the Year (Eddie Awards)! Rooted in Appalachian tradition and trained in clawhammer banjo by Trish Miller and John Kirk, Carolyn blends timeless folk sounds with her own rich, sultry voice and deeply personal songwriting.

Her latest album, Take It Easy (2024), is a collection of songs about self-care and finding joy in a difficult world—music that feels as comforting as a home-cooked meal. Carolyn will be joined on stage by her incredible band:
🎻 Connor Armbruster (fiddle)
🎸 James Gascoyne (guitar)
🎻 Oona Grady (bass)

📅 When: 2/28 at 8 PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ Tickets: caffelena.org

Come experience the warmth and authenticity of Carolyn’s music—a voice of tradition with a heart for today. 💛

We are really looking forward to this show!
02/13/2025

We are really looking forward to this show!

Tom Chapin turns 80 two days before he plays Caffe Lena on Saturday, Feb. 15. As one of his lyrics says, “Folks like me do not retire. We just reload.”

02/13/2025

Yasmin Williams - Live at Caffe Lena

02/11/2025

Live At Caffe Lena: to see the full performance and get access for two weeks, purchase a live stream ticket or subscribe at https://caffelena.tv

02/11/2025

Join us for an evening with Crys Matthews , a powerful voice in social justice music, hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie.” With compassionate lyrics that explore themes like immigration, Black Lives Matter, gun safety, and hope, Matthews’ music resonates deeply and inspires connection. 🌟

Her critically acclaimed album, Changemakers, places her among legends like Holly Near and Sweet Honey in the Rock A seasoned performer, Matthews has captivated audiences at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Sundance Film Festival. Her TED Talk, "Sing, Don’t Shout," reflects her philosophy of using music to bridge divides and foster dialogue.

📅 When: Tuesday, February 27 | 7 PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ Tickets: caffelena.org

Come experience a night of music that uplifts, challenges, and connects. 🎤

02/11/2025

Sean Oshima, half of the Oshima Brothers, has an invitation for you—check out this video! 🎥 What are you doing on February 13th? Interested in a night of some delightful music? Sean and his brother Jamie have you covered. Come experience their seamless harmonies, infectious grooves, and a sound that blends alt-pop energy with deep emotional connection. They'll fill the room with joyful, danceable tunes that stir both heart and feet!

Opening the show is Madeleine Roger, a gifted songwriter from Winnipeg, whose lyrical grace and captivating voice will set the perfect tone. 🌿

📅 When: Tuesday, February 13 | 7 PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ Tickets: caffelena.org

Let’s come together for a night of music, connection, and inspiration—see you there! 💫

📬✨ This Week at Caffè Lena with Sarah Craig ✨Sarah’s latest "This Week at Caffè Lena" newsletter is here! 🎶 Get the insi...
02/10/2025

📬✨ This Week at Caffè Lena with Sarah Craig ✨

Sarah’s latest "This Week at Caffè Lena" newsletter is here! 🎶 Get the inside scoop on all the exciting live music, events, and stories coming up this week. From can't-miss performances to reflections on our vibrant music community, it’s all in there! 💛

Read the full newsletter: This Week's Newsletter - Copy and paste this link into your browser https://www.caffelena.org/2025/02/08/news/

What show are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments! 👇🎤

This week's live music schedule for Caffe Lena, the Capital Region's #1 small venue. Open every night for concerts `and events.

🤠 Get ready for some bona fide h***y tonk on March 1st! 🎻 With soaring vocals, driving dance tunes, and a timeless count...
02/10/2025

🤠 Get ready for some bona fide h***y tonk on March 1st! 🎻 With soaring vocals, driving dance tunes, and a timeless country sound, Caleb Klauder& Reeb Willms are chart-toppers and pillars of the Pacific Northwest's old-time and country scene. 🌟

From their work with the Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms Country Band and Foghorn Stringband, these two are known for honoring traditional country music with masterful performances that leave audiences smiling and spellbound. Their sound channels the spirit of legendary country duos, blending h***y tonk and bluegrass with authenticity and soul.

📅 When: March 1 | 8 PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ Tickets: caffelena.org

Dust off your boots and join us for a night of roots music magic 🪕🤠

🎤 For over three decades, our Monday Night Open Mic has been a place where talent is discovered, nurtured, and celebrate...
02/10/2025

🎤 For over three decades, our Monday Night Open Mic has been a place where talent is discovered, nurtured, and celebrated—just as Lena herself envisioned. 🌟

With recognition from Metroland Now , The Saratogian and more, this open mic is truly something special. We foster a supportive, inclusive community where all ages and styles are welcome. Originals are encouraged, but not required. Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping on stage for the first time, you'll find a warm audience ready to listen, cheer, and help you grow. 🎶

Join us and experience the magic of Monday nights at Caffè Lena. 💛

📅 When: Every Monday | Sign-up at 6:30 & performances start at 7 PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ $5 admission requested

Let’s make some music together! 🎵

Join us on February 13th for an unforgettable night of uplifting music and poetic storytelling!The Oshima Brothers , a J...
02/09/2025

Join us on February 13th for an unforgettable night of uplifting music and poetic storytelling!
The Oshima Brothers , a Japanese-Italian alt-pop sibling duo from Maine, will captivate you with their exhilarating harmonies, groovy guitar lines, and danceable rhythms. Their DIY approach fuels every inch of their creative work—from producing their music to crafting a 45-minute album movie. Maine Public Radio says, "Their harmonies can't be beat."

Opening the show is Winnipeg's Madeleine Roger. Her timeless melodies and lyrical prowess, speak directly to our time.

📅 When: Tuesday, February 13 | 7PM
📍 Where: Caffè Lena
🎟️ Tickets: caffelena.org

Let’s come together for a night of music, connection, and inspiration 💫

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47 Phila Street
Saratoga Springs, NY
12866

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