Caffè Lena Top Picks for April 2024

THE POETIC LYRICISM OF SIMON & GARFUNKEL

POETRY • BLUES • JAZZ

AND ONE OF THE BEST IN BLUEGRASS

All events are at Caffè Lena unless otherwise noted

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Bright Series: The Clements Brothers

Genre: Singer Songwriter/Folk

Date: Saturday April 27, 8 p.m.

What: Like the timeless harmonies & poetic lyricism of Simon & Garfunkel, these twin brothers blend acoustic melodies with reflective storytelling.

Sample song: bit.ly/43bVWSB

Press quote: “Pitch perfect sibling harmonies and gossamer sounds.”

– Americana UK

Tickets: bit.ly/49NHUsB

OPEN STAGE: JAM SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS

Poetry Open Mic Night featuring Susan Jefts

Date: Wednesday April 3, 7 p.m.

Link: caffelena.org/poetry-night/

What: Susan Jefts’ collection of poems, Breathing Lessons, was published in 2023. She leads workshops using poetry to explore what we find meaningful and sacred in our lives, and to deepen our felt connections to the vital world of forests, mountains, and water.

MUST SEE

Ruthie Foster

Genre: Blues

Date: Thursday April 4, 8:00 p.m.

What: With a naturally expressive voice that has drawn comparisons to Aretha and Ella, Texas-based singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster paints her songs with a wide palette of Americana – gospel and blues to jazz, folk, and soul.

Sample song: bit.ly/48Rgm4j

Press quote: “Her voice, musicianship and songwriting mastery will grab you from the git go and won’t let you go.” – Boomerocity

Tickets: bit.ly/49nchWC

LIKELY TO SELL OUT

Vanessa Collier

Genre: Blues

Date: Friday April 26, 8 p.m.

What: Trailblazing Berklee-trained master musician Vanessa Collier weaves funk, blues & rock with soulful vocals & and witty songwriting.

Sample song: bit.ly/3v5c8IJ

Quote: “I forget where I was, but she’s playing an alto saxophone, and man, she was amazing.” – Buddy Guy

Tickets: bit.ly/41cvIOR

INTERSECTIONAL VOICES

Raul Midón

Genre: Jazz

Date: Sunday April 28, 7 p.m.

What: Jazz virtuoso Raul Midón dazzles audiences worldwide with his soulful vocals, masterful guitar skills & fusion of jazz, R&B & Latin sounds.

Sample song: bit.ly/3Ty1ofi

Press quote: “When you witness someone who is really good, like singer-songwriter Raul Midon, it’s a profoundly moving experience. But more than that, it redefines the whole notion of what ‘good’ means. Midon just walks on with his guitar and sings his deceptively simple songs, and the entire club is enthralled.” – The Guardian

Tickets: bit.ly/48XCYQF

PICK OF THE MONTH

The Special Consensus

Genre: Bluegrass

Date: Friday April 5, 8 p.m.

What: Regarded as one of the bluegrass world’s greatest institutions, Chicago’s Grammy nominated/6-time IBMA winners The Special Consensus bring their bluegrass harmonies to town for a first ever appearance at Lena’s.

Sample song: bit.ly/3wPHtjd

Press quote: “Music like this is the reason people come to love bluegrass”

– Folk & Music Exchange

Tickets: bit.ly/48Nehq5