Caffè Lena’s Top Picks for May 2024

Caffè Lena’s Top Picks for May 2024
AMERICANA/BLUEGRASS LEGEND
OLD-TIME FOLK & COUNTRY
QUIRKY ROOTS
TRACES OF NINA SIMONE AND NATALIE MERCHANT

All events are at Caffè Lena unless otherwise noted
EMERGING ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Willi Carlisle
Genre: Folk/Americana
Date: Wednesday May 22, 7:30 p.m.
What: The raw & spirited blend of Willi Carlisle’s authentic folk, old-time, and Americana has roots deeply planted in traditional storytelling.
Sample song: bit.ly/3PWhoFS
Press quotes: “One of the Top 10 ‘Best Things We Saw at Newport Folk Festival 2023’ ” – Rolling Stone
“Willi Carlisle speaks his truth … reminiscent of folk singers like Woody Guthrie” – NPR Music
Tickets: bit.ly/49z4PYp

OPEN STAGE: JAM SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS
Poetry Open Mic Night featuring Darcy Smith
Date: Wednesday May 1, 7 p.m.
Link: caffelena.org/poetry-night/
What: Darcy Smith’s debut collection, River Skin, Fernwood Press June 2022, was a semifinalist for the Hillary Gravendyk Prize.  She is a Certified Sign Language Interpreter, Buddhist, kickboxer, wife, and mother. Smith lives with her husband and their cat, Miley, in New York’s Hudson Valley.

MUST SEE
Peter Rowan
Genre: Bluegrass
Date: Sunday May 12, 7 p.m.
What: From his early years playing under the tutelage of bluegrass veteran Bill Monroe, to his time in Old & In the Way with Jerry Garcia, to his breakout as a solo musician and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base through a solid stream of recordings, collaborative projects, and constant touring.
Sample song: bit.ly/3TZs7QO
Press quote: “Despite the genre’s antique oeuvre, it’s loaded with modern charm. The bluegrass is fresh sounding, energetic and fueled with a tradition that obviously survives to shine yet again. No blowing dust off this artist.” – Americana Highway
Tickets: bit.ly/48tZyBk

LIKELY TO SELL OUT
Bandits On the Run
Genre: American Roots
Date: Saturday May 11, 8 p.m.
What: A whimsical crime ring disguised as an indie-folk pop/Americana/Roots trio (or is it the other way around?) delight with theatrical antics & fun.
Sample song: bit.ly/3xvXnPX
Press quote: “With each member owning a unique voice and songwriting slant, the songs come together as a musical triptych: three separates hinged together and all dependent on each other for the final product to be complete.” – American Songwriter
Tickets: bit.ly/4aypMnd

INTERSECTIONAL VOICES
Ana Egge
Genre: Singer Songwriter
Date: Friday May 17, 8 p.m.
What: With both vulnerability & strength, Ana Egge’s music is a fusion of folk, Americana and roots, with poignant lyrics & soulful vocals. “Listen to her lyrics. Ana is the folk Nina Simone.” – Lucinda Williams
Sample song: bit.ly/3vMEQOV
Quote: “Ana has the rare gift of being so eloquent and simple that she takes your breath away.” – Shawn Colvin
Tickets: bit.ly/3HVo6Y4

PICK OF THE MONTH
Bright Series: Abigail Lapell
Genre: Singer Songwriter
Date: Thursday May 30, 7 p.m.
What: Canadian Folk Music Awards Songwriter of the Year Abigail Lapell is currently enjoying a staggering 23 million+ Spotify streams.
Sample song: bit.ly/3vHnN0L
Press quote: “Traces of Natalie Merchant, Sharon Van Etten, Frazey Ford and Sandy Denny.” – Folk Radio UK
Tickets: bit.ly/428luzB