Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs has announced a number of musical events in August. With shows ranging from folk and blues to jazz and classical, audiences can enjoy a variety of different stylings throughout the month.
Caffe Lena’s founding dates back to 1960 when William and Lena Spencer converted an old woodworking shop into a coffee house. 64 years later, Caffe Lena is the oldest continually running coffee house in the country. Since its start, the cafe has been dedicated to bringing Saratoga Springs quality folk performances. In 1961, Caffe Lena hosted a then up-and-coming Bob Dylan for a two-night residency. Since then, Caffe Lena has hosted over 12,000 shows, including sets by legendary artists like Dave Van Ronk and Don Mclean.
Starting in 2020, Caffe Lena expanded its operations, opening a music school. This program continues their mission of spreading music through the community by passing down the folk tradition to the next generations. Also started was live broadcasting of the cafe’s shows in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
August 2024 marks a busy month for Caffe Lena with many different events planned. Throughout the month, the cafe will host Monday Open Mics. During these events, community members can display their musical talents for the cafe’s audience. Since its start over 30 years ago, Metroland Magazine, The Alt Weekly, The Saratogian Reader’s Poll, and Saratoga’s Fab Five have recognized the event with “best of” awards. This event is free, but Caffe Lena suggests leaving a $3-5 donation. The open mic nights will take place Monday, August 5, 12, 19, and 26, at 7pm.
Kicking off the month of shows is an August 8th performance by the Nields. Sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields make up the folk-rock group, blending pop melodies, folk instrumentals, and the edge of 90s alternative. Their sound has been described as a mix of the Cranberries, the Roches, and Joni Mitchell. The Nields’ performance begins at 7pm, with tickets starting from $11.94.
August 9th will feature a performance from Legendary country musician John McEuen. McEuen was a founding member and banjoist for the seminal country act The Nitty Gritty Dirty Band, propelling them to fame with songs like “Mr. Bojangles.” Now, over 45 years into his career, the Grammy-winning musician will perform at Caffe Lena for one night only. His performance will feature instrumental backing from banjos, guitars, fiddle, and mandolin. John McEuen’s performance will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $18.98.
Singer-songwriter supergroup Fantastic Cat will perform at Caffe Lena on August 10th. Members Anthony D’Amato, Don Dilego, Brian Dunne and Mike Montali bring years of experience in folk and Americana, making songs that are equal parts funny and heart-wrenching. With music that is equal parts Black Keys and Bruce Springsteen, Fantastic Cat pairs tight instrumentation with soulful vocals. This sold-out performance will begin at 8pm.
On Wednesday, August 13th, Rainbow Girls will perform at Caffe Lena. The trio hails from Santa Barbara, California, where they gained prominence from their live performances. Their music combines indie folk and Americana stylings with ethereal elements, making for a unique sound. UK music website For Folks Sake described their music as “A gang of sweet angels punching you in the heart.” Their set will take place at 7pm, with tickets starting from $15.18.
Following this is a performance by Paul Winter and Chuck Lamb titled “This Glorious Earth.” 7x Grammy-winning saxophonist Paul Winter made a name for himself as the bandleader of the Paul Winter Consort. Composed of jazz, world, and classical musicians, the group traveled the world for decades. Throughout his career, Winter took great musical influences from nature, and consistently fought for ecological protections. Now, Winter will return to a live club setting for the first time in decades to play a salute to the natural world. Caffe Lena jazz steward and pianist Chuck Lamb will accompany Winter. These performances are scheduled for Friday, August 23 at 8pm. and Saturday, August 24 at 8pm. Tickets start from $46.10.
August 27th and 28th will feature performances by legendary British folk musician Al Stewart. Stewart rose to fame in the 1960s, using folk-rock to tell mythological and historical stories. He is perhaps best known for his no. 8 hit “Year of the Cat” from 1976. Across his 16 studio albums, Stewart has worked with everyone from Jimmy Page to Tori Amos. Now after almost six decades in the spotlight, he will grace Caffe Lena with his folk stylings. His performances will start at 7pm, with tickets starting at $47.50.
Judith Owen & Her Gentlemen Callers will close out the month with an August 31st performance. Welsh singer-songwriter Judith Owen has made waves since the release of her 1996 American debut Emotions on a Postcard. Now, with the backing of a New Orleans septet, Owen explores the female artists that inspired her. The performance will celebrate boundary-breaking artists like Nellie Lutcher, Julia Lee, and Blossom Dearie. Owen will also interpret the works of timeless vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. With this modern twist on classic tunes, Owen’s performance is one to look out for. Her performance will begin at 8pm, with tickets starting from $20.61.
For more information on Caffe Lena’s upcoming events, visit their website here.
Caffe Lena’s August Schedule
8/5 @ 7pm – Monday Open Mic
8/8 @ 7pm – The Nields
8/9 @ 8pm – John McEuen
8/10 @ 8pm – Fantastic Cat
8/12 @ 7pm – Monday Open Mic
8/14 @ 7pm – Rainbow Girls
8/19 @ 7pm – Monday Open Mic
8/23 @ 8pm – This Glorious Earth: Paul Winter with Chuck Lamb
8/24 @ 8pm – This Glorious Earth: Paul Winter with Chuck Lamb
8/26 @ 7pm – Monday Open Mic
8/27 @ 7pm – Al Stewart
8/28 @ 7pm – Al Stewart
8/31 @ 8pm – Judith Owen & Her Gentlemen Callers
The post What’s Happening at Caffe Lena in August appeared first on NYS Music.
