Newsletters
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.
July 15 – 21
Glen David Andrews & his fabulous band bring the spirit and sounds of New Orleans to Caffe Lena this Friday night. He’s part of a famous musical family from NOLA’s famous Tremé, the oldest Black neighborhood in America. Along with a high-powered backing band, Andrews combines jazz, gospel, rock, blues & funk. Glen David Andrews is a warrior for cultural preservation. His commanding voice and fierce trombone channel beauty, hard-earned truths and – most of all – hope.
July 8 – 14
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.
July 1 – 7
Livingston Taylor is a consummate entertainer. He taps a vast catalog of songs, stories and insights to create a show that’s “taylor-made” for the folks in the seats. Equal parts Mark Twain and musical icon, Livingston has written hits for his brother James and performed with Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt & numerous others. He charms with brilliant stagecraft and a repertoire spanning folk, pop, gospel, and jazz. Pete Muller opens with original songs that foster optimism and joy.