Stories

Caffe Lena PRESS RELEASE – Upcoming Events September 2024

Written by Staff on September 11, 2024

47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY | CaffeLena.org

CAFFE LENA PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 2024

Pick Of the Month

SEPTEMBER 15th / 4 PM & 7 PM
MARY GAUTHIER & ROBBIE FULKS
A Night of Rare Songcraft Pairing NPR and Rolling Stone’s “Years Best” Album Creator with “One of the Best Songwriters of her Generation.” (AP)

MARY GAUTHIER SONG SAMPLE
MARY GAUTHIER WEBSITE

ROBBIE FULKS SONG SAMPLE
ROBBIE FULKS WEBSITEThe Associated Press called Gauthier “one of the best songwriters of her generation.”

Grammy-nominated and acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier has used her art once again to traverse the uncharted waters of the past few years. “I’m the kind of songwriter who writes what I see in the world right now,” she affirms. Thankfully, amid dark storms of pandemic loss, she found and followed the beacon of new love, evident in 2022’s powerful Dark Enough to See the Stars – a collection of ten sparkling jewels of Gauthier songcraft reflecting beauty in sorrow, healing in loss, and a perspective only an artist of uncommon generosity can give.

In addition to penning instantly memorable songs such as “Mercy Now,” Gauthier has never shied away from difficult self-exploration, including sobriety, confessions of a troubled life, and the repercussions of her adoption from a New Orleans orphanage and subsequent search for her birth mother. Brandi Carlile has said, “Mary’s songwriting speaks to the tender aspects of our humanness. We need her voice in times like these more than we ever have.” Gauthier reflects: “Writing helps me sort out confusion, untangle powerful emotions, and ward off desperation. It helps me navigate the powerful emotional weather systems of life.”

Robbie Fulks is a singer, recording artist, instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter. His most recent release, Upland Stories, earned year’s-best recognition from NPR and Rolling Stone, as well as two Grammy® nominations, for folk album and American roots song (“Alabama At Night”). He’s been a member of bluegrass band The Special Consensus and his early solo work helped define the “alternative country” movement of the 1990s. Lately he’s returned to the acoustic instrumentation of his earlier bluegrass days, extending the boundaries of that tradition with old-time rambles and sparsely orchestrated reflections on love, the slings of time, and the troubles of common people.

Newcomers of the Month

SEPTEMBER 12th / 7 PM
DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE
GRAMMY-nominated & “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge are known for ethereal harmonies & instrumental acumen.

SONG SAMPLE
ARTIST WEBSITE

They’re at the very top of the bluegrass world, yet they maintain an easy-going, down-to-earth connection with audiences everywhere. Brooke is a four-time consecutive winner and reigning International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year. Last year they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. And if all that doesn’t convince you, know that they have graced the Grand Ole Opry stage more than 55 times. They’re recently released “He’s Getting Me Ready,” a gospel rouser featuring Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys, has spent an incredible, record-setting 5 months atop the Bluegrass/Gospel Chart. Their latest release, “Talk of the Town,” has hit #1 on the Bluegrass Chart twice! By mixing original songs with classics like “Tennessee Flat Top Box” and “Tear-Stained Letter,” Darin and Brooke honor the roots of bluegrass while adding their own unique twist.

Community Stage

SEPTEMBER 22nd / 7 PM
UNPLUG CHILDHOOD HUNGER! FUNDRAISER
Saratoga Musicians Raise Funds for SNACPack

Annie & The Hedonists – sample song  / artist website
Rick Bolton & Friends – sample song  /   artist website
Garland Nelson – sample song  / artist website
Jeff Brisbin – sample song  / artist website
Beat Generation – sample song

Five local bands play with no amplification whatsoever in Lena’s intimate listening room. This extraordinary show, organized by local artist Lawrence White, will create an experience we’ve never had at Caffe Lena. The artists will perform in the center of the room, and the tables and seats will surround them on all sides, with seating even available on stage!

The line-up of talent is top shelf: Annie & The Hedonists, Rick Bolton & Friends, Garland Nelson, Jeff Brisbin, and White’s own band, The Beat Generation.

This event is a night of unity and artistry during Saratoga Peace Week, with neighbors taking care of neighbors right here at home. All proceeds will benefit SNACPack, the Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children program, which fills backpacks with nutritious food for local kids who need food support at home on weekends.

Must See!

SEPTEMBER 29th / 7 PM
NORDLYS GLOBAL VOICES: YAKOUBA SISSOKO & SIYA
Master Kora Player From Mali, Yacouba Sissoko, Blends Traditional African Sounds with Global Influences for a Spellbinding Musical Journey.

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ARTIST WEBSITE

Master Malian kora player Yacouba Sissoko devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures. His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony.

Yacouba exposes new audiences to the enchanting sounds of the kora – a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is associated with West Africa. Throughout West African history, the kora was played as a solo instrument by djelys, or storytellers, whose roles in society were to perform for kings, nobility, and village chiefs. The songs sung by djelys were stories that had been passed down from generation to generation, and captured the oral history of the people and culture of West Africa describing social life, cultural identify and family backgrounds.

The sound of his band, SIYA, meaning “source” in Bambara represents the breakthrough of the past few generations of Western African musicians who have opened up this musical experience to new audiences, incorporating additional instruments and spanning musical genres. The other instruments of SIYA include the N’goni, a traditional guitar that was used by griots during the Manding Empire prior to the kora; the “talking drum,” a small drum held on the shoulder of the player and hit with a curved stick or the hand to mimic phrases of the human voice, requiring great dexterity by the player; the calabash, that is easily recognized by its deep resounding bass sound frequent to West African music; and an acoustic guitar and/or trumpet both of which adds to the more modern approach.

Made possible by The Nordlys Foundation.

Likely To Sell Out

SEPTEMBER 19th / 7 PM
LOVELLA
ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT : 16-Year-Old-Singer-Songwriter Lovella Celebrates Releasing Her Debut EP.

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Saratoga singer-songwriter Lovella celebrates the release of Outgrown, her debut all-original album. As the daughter of music teacher, band leader and singer-songwriter Seth Warden, Lovella is no stranger to the stage. Now 16, she’s been stealing the show since she was 13 years old. The expansive, emotional pop songs on her EP feature lyrics by her and music by her father, whose band will be backing her for this special night.