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.

06/17/2026

06/17/2026 Folk Club Kids Live Stream

06/17/2026

The Missing Link: The Village Voice once famously described the group as "the missing link between Public Enemy and Louis Armstrong"

Wu-Tang supergroup: The band formed an official touring supergroup with the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. They even backed GZA during a widely acclaimed set on NPR's Tiny Desk series.

Hip-hop elite: They are the go-to live brass backing band for historic rap icons, regularly performing with Nas, Talib Kweli, GZA, and Rakim.

Come see them at Caffè Lena this Sunday 6/21 at 7PM
Tickets on our website: https://ow.ly/PTKb50ZcyCF

The Soul Rebels Wu-Tang Clan GZA NAS Rakim

06/16/2026

Caffè Lena gives real human experience a place on stage. During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we’re re-sharing Hayley Reardon’s song from our 2024 TrueSongs performance. Hayley wrote it to honor Jody Dayter, a local woman who cared for her mother at home through Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a bittersweet story, but so full of love and loyalty.

Caffe Lena's annual TrueSongs pairs songwriters with people in our community, turning real-life stories into original songs. TrueSongs 2026 will take place on November 6.

Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern NY Hayley Reardon

06/16/2026

Open Mic, Rochmon Record Club, a world-class jazz harpist, gospel harmonies, a Sicilian-American singer/songwriter and New Orleans brass all in one week!

Take a look and a read and pick your show or shows!

The Newsletter is here: https://ow.ly/cByr50Zc595

Rochmon Record Club Amanda Pascali Edmar Castaneda (Official Fan Page) Edmar Castañeda The Soul Rebels

For more than 60 years, the Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band has been lifting spirits throughout the Capital Region with powe...
06/16/2026

For more than 60 years, the Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band has been lifting spirits throughout the Capital Region with powerful harmonies, deep faith, and a belief that music can bring people together. Founded in the mid-1960s, the group has become a beloved local institution, recently earning induction into the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame.

Their music is rooted in the rich tradition of gospel quartet singing, where soaring voices, call-and-response vocals, and soul-stirring rhythms take center stage. But as longtime member Joe Abbey puts it, they're not in the entertainment business; they're in the engagement business. Every performance is an invitation to connect, reflect, and celebrate.

Join us for a special Juneteenth performance and experience a musical tradition that has inspired generations through its message of hope, perseverance, and joy, and celebrates the power of a shared history, music, friendship and the power of love.

Thursday, June 19th at 7PM - Caffè Lena - Saratoga Springs, NY

And read a wonderful preview interview on Metroland Now by Amaris Ford https://www.themetroland.com/blog-main/preview-heavenly-echoes-01?fbclid=IwY2xjawSdGn1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYQ2c0TkJNeUk2R0lBSUlBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHql9ZgImx0PPGCX7vIFKLj2kLgEujlberT9Udd94lRjs7ucEybmcj0ZsEPSf_aem_L_0fA4cDpFr3z55OZVTAuA

The Heavenly Echoes Gospel Band brings close to 60 years of gospel tradition, voices, harmony, and community carried across generations.

06/14/2026

6/14/2026 Annie & The Hedonists Live Stream

Join us! We’re here until 5pm!
06/14/2026

Join us! We’re here until 5pm!

06/14/2026

Question of the Century, a Caffè favorite!

Address

47 Phila Street
Saratoga Springs, NY
12866

Telephone

+15185830022

Website

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