Events

This Week at Caffe Lena – 12/30 – 1/5

Written by Staff on December 30, 2024

Greetings – On January 1, Caffe Lena will enter it’s 65th year. Reaching that milestone has a lot to do with great music that stands the test of time. But just as important is a thriving downtown, a community that supports its independent businesses, and people who love to get out of the house and enjoy what’s happening.

Among the many thousands (like you!) who have played a part in sustaining the Caffe, there a few heroes who stand out. One of the best known is our front-of-house sound engineer, Joe Deuel. He has worked here for the better part of five decades. From washing dishes and shopping for Lena Spencer’s groceries, to mixing sound for live shows and maintaining our early websites, Joe has been pivotal to the Caffe’s survival. Throughout all those years, he documented concerts and life around the venue with photographs. After a good deal of urging, Joe has agreed to sit on stage with me, show us his photos, and tell us his stories. It’s no suprise that the event is completely sold out, but we will be livestreaming so you can watch from home. You don’t want to miss this special glimpse behind the scenes of America’s Longest Running Coffeehouse.

See you at the show,
Sarah

P.S. See you New Year’s Eve! Join us for our annual Salute to the Year on YouTube, or come in person for the Saratoga New Year’s Celebration.

– WEEK AT A GLANCE –

Monday
7 PM Open Mic Night
Tuesday
7 & 9 PM LOS SUGAR KINGS : FREE WITH SARATOGA NEW YEAR BADGE
8 PM 24 SONG SALUTE TO 2024 – YOUTUBE PREMIERE
8 PM “Live From Caffe Lena” on WEXT 97.7 or 106.1 FM
Wednesday
CLOSED FOR NEW YEARS’ DAY
7 PM & 12 AM “Live From Caffè Lena” on Folk Music Notebook
Thursday
CLOSED
Friday
8 PM THE NIELDS
Saturday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LENA! Born Jan 4, 1923
1 – 2 PM LITTLE FOLKS: THE NIELDS
8 PM 5 DECADES @ CAFFE LENA : JOE DEUEL PHOTOS SOLD OUT
Sunday
9 AM Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman
8 PM SUPER 400

– HIGHLIGHTS –

Stream on YouTube at 8 PM, 12-31-24

Back in 2020 & 2021, when the only way to enjoy live music was via livestream, we recapped Lena’s year of “Stay Home Sessions” with a highlights reel on New Year’s Eve. Well, it turned out to be a whole lot of fun so we’ve kept the tradition going! Break out the bubbly and join your fellow stay-home audience members at 8 PM for a free YouTube Premiere featuring 24 songs picked from the thousands that were played on Lena’s stage over the past 12 months.

Sample Song | In-Person Tickets

Let the sounds of the Caribbean provide a hot start to your New Year! Get your Saratoga New Year’s pass and catch Ben Folds up at the City Center, then head down to Phila Street for the roots-rock-reggae repertoire of Los Sugar Kings! Their dynamic live shows pull the audience into a space that’s passionate, thoughtful, and joyful. Additional events are scheduled for UPH and Putnam Place, all included with your Saratoga New Year’s pass.

Sample Song | In-Person Tickets | Watch on Caffe Lena TV

Gorgeous sibling harmonies, wise folk/pop lyrics and hilarious banter define The Nields’ performances. Sisters Nerissa and Katryna captivate audiences with warmth, wit, and hooky melodies. Often compared to The Indigo Girls and The Roches, their vocal blend is “sublime” (Chicago Tribune) and “infectious” (Austin Chronicle).

Sample Song | In-Person Tickets (Free, but register ahead!)

Once Nerissa & Katryna Nields became parents themselves, they began sprinkling shows for little ones into their tours, playing sets of family-friendly originals with folk classics, creating an engaging, all-ages experience. Expect your kids to shout out answers to their questions, and participate in raucous clap-alongs to new classics like “Molly the Donkey.” The atmosphere is a joyful, participatory experience where children and adults alike join in song and laughter.

SOLD OUT! | Watch on Caffe Lena TV

Kick off Caffe Lena’s 65th Anniversary with a special slideshow and conversation featuring the work of Lena’s house photographer and sound engineer, Joe Deuel. In a conversation led by Executive Director Sarah Craig, Joe will share familiar and never-before-seen photos, plus stories spanning five decades of performances and behind-the-scenes moments.

Sample Song | In-Person Tickets | Watch on Caffe Lena TV

(Note 8 PM start time) Troy’s legendary power rock trio crafts deep-hearted songs with infectious grooves, bouyant melodies, and riveting chemistry. They’ve been honored by their hometown with a “Super 400 Day,” and induction into the Capital Region Eddies Hall of Fame.