Friday, Oct 3, 8 PM Tall Heights "Delicate melodies and gentle harmonies" are
the heart of the folk-inspired cello-guitar-vocal music of Tim Harrington and
Paul Wright. They create "a space where people can slow down" with "music
that is pretty, passion-laden and catchy as hell." (Performer Magazine)
Saturday, Oct 4, 8 PM Roy Book Binder w/ opener Jeremy Lyons He's been an
ambassador of the blues since the late '60s, learning directly from the Delta &
Piedmont masters. Blues, country tunes, bluegrass and folk.
Sunday, Oct 5, 7 PM James Keelaghan & Dave Gunning Canada's very best!
JUNO-winner Keelaghan is called the Poet Laureate of the folk world. A
masterful storyteller, audiences enjoy his song intros as much as his lively,
detailed lyrics. Gunning utterly charms audiences with his bashful rural humor,
stellar guitar playing, and melodies that hint at the British Isles.
Thursday, Oct 9, 7 & 9 PM Carlene Carter Daughter of June, stepdaughter of
Johnny Cash, granddaughter of "Mother" Maybelle Carter. Carlene's new album
was USA Today Album of the Week, #1 Folk DJ Album, & debuted in
Billboard's Top 40 Country Albums. "Carter is one of the greatest living country
vocalists…(Her) new masterpiece spans a century of music, but by implication
contains the whole of human history in an unbroken circle." (Huffington Post)
Friday, Oct 10, 8 PM Lou & Peter Berryman Clever wordplay, catchy tunes and
hilarious punch lines. Treat yourself to a warm and witty folk duo that makes
us simultaneously laugh at and care about the people they lampoon. As heard
on A Prairie Home Companion and NPR's Morning Edition.
Saturday, Oct 11, 8 PM Professor Louie & the Crowmatix Rompin', stompin'
roots rock, sweet ballads, and roadhouse blues led by the NYS Blues Hall of
Fame quintet that originally served as the studio backing band for recording
projects by Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm and The Band.
Sunday, Oct 12, 7 PM David Mallett He sings about the struggle of the
common man and nostalgia for small towns and rural landscapes--the essential
things that move us all. His "Garden Song" ("inch by inch, row by row… ")
is among America's best known folk songs.
Friday, Oct 17, 8 PM North Sea Gas One of Scotland's most enduringly popular
folk bands, boasting high spirits, manly three-part harmonies, and a repertoire
of traditional & contemporary songs. Guitars, fiddle, bouzouki, whistles,
bodhrans & jolly good humor makes for delightful entertainment.
Saturday, Oct 18, 8 PM Thirteen Feet of Bluegrass w/ Heather Pierson These
tall guys play high-energy, acoustic '70s and '80s country rock, blues, bluegrass
and originals. Powerful vocals, dynamic instrumentation and a great repertoire.
Sunday, Oct 19, 7 PM Erin McKeown She's a super guitarist, gifted songwriter,
and dynamic performer with an emphatically activist streak. She has performed
on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, NPR, and the BBC. She exemplifies the truth
that pop music can be both high art and great fun at the same time. Her
music is clever, catchy, substantial, and subversive, & her shows are big fun.
Friday, Oct 24, 8 PM Andy Cohen & Paul Asbell Blues picker Cohen is a
virtuoso 6 and 12-string guitarist and "walking, talking folk-blues-roots music
encyclopedia" with songs well-known, obscure & weirdly wonderful. Asbell has a
dizzingly diverse repertoire that encompasses early blues, Dr. John and Bill
Frisell with romantic swing tunes and Otis Rush slow-burners thrown in.
Saturday, Oct 25, 8 PM A Night of Murder Ballads A sinful, silly and sinister
tradition continues with Murder Ballads IV featuring Charmboy, Kate McDonnell,
The Bluebilles, Mark Emanation Trio and Michael Jerling. Caffè Lena turns to
the dark side for an evening of grisly, gruesome and goofy songs about bad
things happening to good people. Proceeds benefit Caffe Lena so we can keep
bringing you the finest folk year round!
Sunday, Oct 26, 7 PM Marty Wendell 50 Year Retrospective He was weaned on
a Philco radio and his first gig, 50 years ago, was a church talent show. This
Capital District gospel & bluesman toured as Johnny Cash's opening act,
recorded at Sun Studios & gained national radio play. With 50 productive years
to celebrate, Marty makes his audience happy with a night of great tunes.
Friday, Oct 31, 8 PM Alan Chartock & The Berkshire Ramblers - A Halloween
HOOO-tenanny to Benefit Caffè Lena Championing folk songs of the "old style,"
this gregarious band plays music to help causes and places dear to their
hearts--and tonight Caffe Lena is the lucky beneficiary. They capture the
essence of folk music with familiar songs that celebrate togetherness, and all
are warmly invited to lend a voice on the chorus. Your ticket includes hearty
snacks, desserts and soft drinks. Folk-inspired costumes encouraged!
Saturday, Nov 1, 4:30 & 8 PM Bob Warren Band "Irresistible rock, gentle
introspection, variety, wit, and killer hooks" Warren's melodic, uplifting soft
rock & soul has made him a perennial favorite in the Capital District. Bob
guitar & lead vox, Joy MacKenzie harmony, Don Warren electric guitar, Tony
Markellis bass, Danny Welchel drums, & Matt Donnelly keyboards.
Sunday, Nov 2, 7 PM, Pierce Pettis with opener Billy Eli An insightful
songwriter who weaves the personal, political, and spiritual elements of
life in songs that range from delicate folk to hard-driving blues. Pierce has
written for Muscle Shoals, Polygram and Universal in Nashville.
Friday, Nov 7, 8 PM, Possumhaw Vermont quintet offers stunning vocal
harmonies and stellar acoustic instrumentation. Jazz & blues season a repertoire
of original bluegrass & folk led by VT's Vocalist of the Year, Colby Crehan, with
mandolin, banjo, bass, harmonica & delicious harmony vocals.
Saturday, Nov 8, 8 PM WEQXposure DJ Showcase DJ Kim, the taste-maker
behind WEQX's popular EQXposure, hosts our 4th DJ Showcase. A brief Q & A
leads each set so you can meet the artist behind the songs. Kim has selected:
Matt Durfee - ballads and breath-taking instrumentals; Carl Daniels - indie folk
and blues; Henry's Rifle - "Gothic Americana gone wild."
Sunday, Nov 9, 7 PM, Harvest Moon Harmonies with Jane Rothfield, Allan Carr
& Magpie Free coffee or tea if you bring non-perishables for the Franklin
Community Center Food Pantry Jane Rothfield (fiddle, banjo, vocal) and Allan
Carr (guitar,vocals) play traditional and original Celtic and Appalachian music.
Originally from Aberdeen, Carr is one of the finest singers in Scots traditional
music. Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino's Magpie raises consciousness, hopes and
spirits with songs about the earth and its people. They mix topical songs up
with a rainbow of classics that draw on Terry's skills as a jazz & blues singer.
Thursday, Nov 13, 7 PM, Jim Kweskin & Happy Traum Champions of American
folk and blues for half a century, inspiring guitarists around the world with
their impeccable technique. Famed jug band leader Kweskin teams with
folklorist, teacher Traum. Traum learned directly from the master bluesmen and
has played and recorded with Bob Dylan, Chris Smither, Maria Muldaur, Eric
Andersen, Rory Block, Jerry Jeff Walker, Allen Ginsberg and innumerable others.
Friday, Nov 14, 8 PM, Maria Zemantauski's Alegria Quartet Albany artist
Zemantauski has acheived international stature as a Flamenco guitarist. Her
global music ensemble includes cellist Monica Wilson-Roach, guitarist Jose
Miralles, and percussionist Brian Melick. Passionate Spanish and Flamencoinfluenced originals interspersed with pieces by Paco de Lucio and Strunz &
Farah. Their complex arrangements will have you on the edge of your seat!
Saturday, Nov 15, 8 PM, RPR of Tanglefoot Remember Tanglefoot, the balladsinging, foot-stomping, rampantly energetic Canadian quintet? Great News! The
band's core threesome, Rob & Steve Ritchie and Al Parrish, along with Beaker
Granger on percussion, have re-connected as RPR. Whether it's an original
country song of Al's, Steve's recollection of a Robert Plant version of an old
Dylan tune, or Rob's incisive musical humor, all the trademark harmony,
chemistry, & impact are there.
Sunday, Nov 16, 7 PM, Deb Cavanaugh CD Release Concert A lifetime dedicated
to playing, teaching and composing music comes together in Deb Cavanaugh's
new CD, Highway In Your Eyes, a story and song project that sums up decades
of living boldly. She's a classically trained vocalist & adept on numerous
instruments, including mandolin, dulcimer, guitar & limber jack.
Wednesday, Nov 19, 7 PM The Stray Birds CD Release with opener Jordie
Lane Classically trained and roots music-raised in Lancaster, PA, this trio has
attracted attention coast to coast with their blend of foot-stomping bluegrass,
heartbreaking country, timeless gospel, and tender poetic ballads, all sung with
soaring, transcendent vocal harmony.
Friday, Nov 21, 8 PM The Kennedys NYC duo Pete and Maura Kennedy
cover power pop, acoustic songwriting, & the sounds of their early days in
Austin. Their Byrds-inspired jangle has drawn the acclaim of Roger McGuinn,
Steve Earle, & Nanci Griffith. Their recent release, "Closer Than You Know," is
both soothing and urgent, uplifting and unique.
Saturday, Nov 22, 8 PM Judy Wyle CD Release Saratoga singer-songwriter Judy
Wyle celebrates the release of Girl In the Silver Leaves. In the studio and on
stage, Judy weaves a soulful tapestry of words and melody set in grooving,
jazzy R & B arrangements delivered with passion and joy. Azzaam Hameed on
piano leads a band of all-star accompanists.
Sunday, Nov 23, 2 PM FREE Little Folks Concert with Fiddlefire
Sponsored by Stewart's Shops Reaching more than a million children via
numerous TV and radio performances in his native Canada, Parents' Choice
Award Winner Chris McKhool is a champion of environmental issues and intercultural exchange. With fiddle & many rarely seen global instruments he takes
youngsters on an interactive journey to the Canadian Arctic, Indonesia, France,
England, Cuba, Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica and the Himalayas.
Sunday, Nov 23, 7 PM Sultans of String Chris McKhool (violin) and Kevin
Laliberté (guitar) blend violin and flamenco guitar with electronic wizardry to
create soundscapes that incorporate sounds of nature: the horses of Sable
Island, calls of Luna the Whale, and then onto the silk road through Spain and
the Middle East, Gypsy-jazz cafés. "Exuberant, Powerful & moving."
Friday, Nov 28, 8 PM Brooks Williams with Shari Kane & Dave Steele
Ranked one of the Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists, singer-songwriter Brooks
Williams writes grooving songs and delivers them with an easy-going vocal style
and monstrous guitar chops. Shari Kane (of Madcat and Kane) and Dave
Steele's 4-handed guitar party sounds like a testament to the streets of Harlem,
the juke joints of Mississippi, and the jug bands of Memphis.
Saturday, Nov 29, 8 PM Annie & the Hedonists This breezy, fun-loving band
offers a wide-ranging repertoire, from the gospel-rock of Sister Rosetta Tharpe
to the high-lonesome bluegrass of Claire Lynch and the irresistible swing of Fats
Waller. The torchy, honey voice of Annie Rosen joins super-tight backing.
Sunday, Nov 30, 7 PM Hot Club of Saratoga Saratoga's popular gypsy jazz
quintet reflects the spirit and style of The Quintet of The Hot Club of France,
featuring Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.
Wed, 1st
Fri, 3rd
Sat, 4th
Sun, 5th
Thurs, 9th
Fri, 10th
Sat, 11th
Sun, 12th
Fri, 17th
Sat, 18th
Sun, 19th
Weds, 22nd
Fri, 24th
Sat, 25th
Sun, 26th
Fri, 31st
Monthly Poetry Open Mic / 7 / $5 door
Tall Heights / 8 / $15
Roy Book Binder / 8 / $20
James Keelaghan & Dave Gunning/7/$20
Carlene Carter CD Release / 7 & 9 / $40
Lou & Peter Berryman / 8 / $20
Prof. Louie & the Crowmatix / 8 / $20
David Mallett / 7 / $22
North Sea Gas / 8 / $18
Thirteen Feet of Bluegrass / 8 / $15
Erin McKeown / 7 / $18
Monthly Blues Jam & Open Mic / 7 / $5
Andy Cohen & Paul Asbell / 8 / $20
A Night of Murder Ballads IV / 8 / $20
Marty Wendell / 7 / $15
Alan Chartock & The Berkshire Ramblers'
Halloween HOOO-tenanny / 8 / $35
NOVEMBER
Sat, 1st
Sun, 2nd
Weds, 5th
Fri, 7th
Sat, 8th
Sun, 9th
Weds, 12th
Thu, 13th
Fri, 14th
Sat, 15th
Sun, 16th
Weds, 19th
Fri, 21st
Sat, 22nd
Sun, 23rd
Sun, 23rd
Fri, 28th
Sat, 29th
Bob Warren Band / 4:30 & 8 PM / $18
Pierce Pettis w. Billy Eli / 7 PM / $18
Poetry Open Mic / 7 PM / $5
PossumHaw / 8 PM / $16
WEQX DJ Showcase / 8 PM / $16
Rothfield, Carr & Magpie / 7 PM / $16
Storytelling Open Mic / 7 PM / $3
Jim Kweskin & Happy Traum / 7PM / $22
Zemantauski's Alegria Quartet / 8 /$18
RPR of Tanglefoot / 8 PM / $20
Deb Cavanaugh CD Release / 7 PM/ $14
The Stray Birds CD Release / 7 PM / $18
The Kennedys / 8 PM / $16
Judy Wyle CD Release / 8 PM / $16
Little Folks: Fiddlefire! / 2 PM / FREE
Sultans of String / 7 PM / $18
Brooks Williams, Kane & Steele/8/$18
Annie & the Hedonists / 8 PM / $18
Tickets Available 24/7
1-800-838-3006 or CaffeLena.org
47 Phila Street, PO Box 245, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
OCTOBER
October & November, 2014
Advance price is listed. $2 more at door.
Mid-week schedule at caffelena.org
OPEN MIC THURSDAYS @ 7, $3