Caffe Lena

10/14/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, today is Breast Cancer Awareness Day, and we're taking a moment to recognize the many people in our community whose lives have been touched by this disease.

To those who are undergoing treatment, those who are celebrating recovery, those who are supporting someone they love, and those who are remembering someone they've lost, our hearts are with you.

At Caffè Lena, we see every day how music can bring people together, offer comfort, lift spirits, and remind us that we are not alone.

This month is also a reminder of the importance of breast health awareness, recommended screenings, and supporting the people in our lives who may be facing a difficult journey.

Sending love and strength to everyone affected by breast cancer. You are part of our community, and we care.

Photo of Beth Nielsen Chapman by Glenn Kaplowitz

During her live concerts, Chapman frequently shares her story to encourage women to remain vigilant, emphasizing that physical lumps must be checked through alternate diagnostic methods even if a mammogram appears clear.

10/13/2026

10/13/2026 Chuck Lamb Trio featuring Peter Bernstein Live Stream

10/13/2026

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for generations, especially the Mohawk and other Haudenosaunee peoples whose history and living traditions are deeply connected to this region.

At Caffè Lena, we believe in the power of music and storytelling to preserve history, share knowledge, and bring people together. Today is an opportunity to listen, learn, and recognize the voices, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous communities, past and present.

Photo of Tom Porter, Sakokwenionkwas, (Sago gway noon gwas), “The One Who Wins.” He is the spokesperson and spiritual leader of the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke (Ga na jo ha lay gay) in the Mohawk Valley near Fonda, New York, taken by Artur Wachala when Tom was featured in our July Storytelling Open Mic.

10/13/2026

Happy Monday and welcome to This Week at Caffè Lena!
It's October 12, the leaves are turning, there's a chill in the air, and the music just keeps coming!
We kick things off tonight with our famous Monday Open Mic, followed by a SOLD OUT Tuesday night of JAZZ at Caffè Lena with the Chuck Lamb Trio and special guest, extraordinary guitarist Peter Bernstein.

Thursday brings brothers David and Martin Howley, founding members of We Banjo 3 back to our stage with their exciting Celtic roots band, Howley Friday, we're turning back the clock with Marty Wendell & the The Laura Leigh Band for a terrific blend of Americana, country and early rock 'n' roll.

On Saturday, the incredible Jake Blount Band brings its adventurous take on American roots music, and Sunday wraps up the week with the wonderfully inventive Bandits On The Run , part of our Momentum Series!

From jazz and Irish music to Americana, old-time roots and contemporary folk, there's a little something for everyone this week.

Take a look at our This Week at Caffè Lena newsletter, listen to some music, read about the artists, and pick a show. Or two. Or three!

And really, could there be better weather for settling into our cozy listening room with a hot cup of tea and one, or two or three of Lizzie's famous chocolate chip cookies?

We can't wait to welcome you in!

www.caffelena.org
Jake Blount Band photo by Joe Deuel

10/12/2026

How do you make room for nature in the middle of a growing city? You take a bare parcel of land no one is using and make it into a vibrant green space. And what happens when that story becomes a song?

That's one of the stories you'll hear at this year's TrueSongs, Caffè Lena's extraordinary annual evening of true stories and original music.

Meet SoBro Conservancy of Saratoga a Saratoga Springs organization dedicated to protecting and nurturing natural spaces in our community. Their work reminds us that even in the middle of a busy city, there's room for nature to thrive, if people care enough to make it happen.

Representing SoBro Conservancy at TrueSongs is Johanna Garrison, who has been paired with the wonderfully imaginative The Slambovian Circus of Dreams to bring her story to life through an original song. Vivian Nesbitt serves as their team coach, helping guide the collaboration.

What will a band known for its wildly creative, genre-defying music do with a story about protecting the natural world? We can't wait to find out!

TrueSongs brings together local people who have faced challenges, found purpose and made a difference, pairing their personal stories with songs written especially for them. The result is an evening that is moving, surprising and unlike anything else we present.

Join us at Universal Preservation Hall on November 6 for stories that will change the way you see Saratoga.

Learn more about SoBro Conservancy at https://ow.ly/cJi050ZWHHC

Tickets for TrueSongs are available through Universal Preservation Hall at https://ow.ly/mCV050ZWHHA

10/11/2026

What makes Caffè Lena so special? Sometimes it takes someone else to remind us of all the reasons.

Our wonderful board member Pam Abrams has written a beautiful piece about her love for Caffè Lena, and it goes well beyond the music.

From world-class concerts to Poetry Open Mic, from young musicians finding their footing at Fiddles & Foliage to the joy of an entire community singing "Goodnight, Irene" together, Pam captures so much of what makes this little place on Phila Street extraordinary.
We especially love that she came for the music and discovered so much more.

Thank you, Pam, for sharing your experiences so thoughtfully, and for reminding us that Caffè Lena isn't just about what happens on our stage. It's about the people who come together because of it.

We hope you'll take a few minutes to read her lovely piece, "Why I Love Caffè Lena." You might recognize a little of your own story in hers.

It’s for more reasons than I originally imagined.

10/10/2026

10/10/2026 Peak Jazz Series: Stacey Kent Late Show Live Stream

10/10/2026

You don't have to be a great singer; you just have to love to sing!

Remember when people got together just to sing? No microphones, no auditions, no pressure to perform. Just a room full of voices joining in on songs everybody knows, or can learn along the way.

On Wednesday, October 28, The Pick’n’ & Sing’n’ Gather’n’ is bringing a good old-fashioned Pub Sing to Caffè Lena, and EVERYONE is invited!

We're talking sea shanties, labor songs, protest songs, music hall favorites, camp songs and anything else with a chorus worth singing at the top of your lungs.

Know the words? Sing along! Have a favorite you'd like to lead? Go right ahead! Never done anything like this before? Even better!

There's something pretty wonderful about a room full of people making music together. It's one of the oldest traditions in folk music, and it's one Caffè Lena has always loved.

Wednesday, October 28, 7–9 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. $5 suggested donation.
Bring your voice and a friend! Let's raise the roof!

Picking and Singing Gathering

10/10/2026

10/10/2026 Peak Jazz Series: Stacey Kent Early Show Live Stream

10/10/2026

Johnny Cash. Willie Nelson. Arlo Guthrie. Rita Coolidge. Kris Kristofferson.
And maybe YOU?

Over the years, Marty Wendell has shared some pretty remarkable musical company. Just look at these photos! Now we're giving you the chance to join the lineup. Well, the photo lineup, anyway!

Come see Marty Wendell perform with the Laura Leigh Band at Caffè Lena on Friday, October 16, at 8PM and who knows? Maybe you'll go home with a photo of your own to add to the collection.

Great musicians, great stories, and a chance to meet someone who's been part of some extraordinary chapters in American music.
And unlike those legends in the photos, you don't have to be famous to hang out with Marty!

Tickets at caffelena.org