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.

06/03/2026

06/03/2026 Folk Club Kids Live Stream

The Tale of the Bob Dylan TourOne of the most memorable, and sometimes harrowing chapters in Duke Robillard 's career w...
06/02/2026

The Tale of the Bob Dylan Tour

One of the most memorable, and sometimes harrowing chapters in Duke Robillard 's career was his brief stint touring with Bob Dylan in 2013. At first, it was a dream gig. Dylan loved Duke's tasteful, understated playing. Then things got a little... Dylan.

One night, Dylan instructed Duke to play all of his guitar solos using only the three bottom strings. During a studio session, Dylan told Duke to sit out while producer Daniel Lanois played guitar instead. Moments later, Dylan stopped the recording and shouted, "Let's get Duke back in here!"
Eventually, Duke joined the long list of legendary musicians with unbelievable Bob Dylan stories to tell.
Duke Robillard brings his acclaimed band to Caffè Lena this Friday, June 5 at 8 PM as part of our Momentum Series.

06/02/2026

It's June 1st and that means Summer is almost here! It also means that Caffè Lena School of Music has two incredible opportunities for young musicians:
Youth Folk Ensemble Camp
July 6–10
Troubadour in Training Teen Summer Camp
August 3–7

Students learn by playing together, listening closely, trying new things, and discovering the joy of making music in a supportive community.

Tuition is $525, and scholarships are available.
For more information, contact Matt Griffin at [email protected].

The renowned blues, jump R&B, and roots-rock guitarist Duke Robillard is a music legend, but his origin story is as rock...
06/02/2026

The renowned blues, jump R&B, and roots-rock guitarist Duke Robillard is a music legend, but his origin story is as rock-and-roll as it gets.

Knowing he wanted to be a musician from a young age, Duke Robillard, then known as Michael John Robillard, cleverly bypassed his mother's ban on electric guitars by building one for his 8th-grade science project with his dad’s help! When a drummer asked him to join a band a week later, his mother couldn't stop him because it was for school.

You can see Mr. Michale John "Duke" Robillard with his band this Friday, June 5th at Caffè Lena at 8PM as part of our Momentum Series.
The remaining tickets are on our website.

06/01/2026

June has arrived bringing with her a fresh new week of events at Caffè Lena! We have Open Mic, Storytelling Open Mic, the Kickoff of the Mostly Modern Festival Duke Robillard 2 Adam Ezra Group Shows, a Playwright's Jam and the Jon Pousette-Dart Band

This Week at Caffè Lena Newsletter: https://ow.ly/gH8e50Z6rxr
Tickets are available on our website!

05/31/2026

5/31/2026 Super 400 Live Stream

Mostly Modern Festival returns to Caffè Lena on June 4 for its Seventh Season Kick-Off Show!This show sold out for three...
05/31/2026

Mostly Modern Festival returns to Caffè Lena on June 4 for its Seventh Season Kick-Off Show!
This show sold out for three years running! This annual event offers a thrilling preview of one of Saratoga's most exciting musical traditions. Think of it as a tasting menu for the festival itself: a chance to experience the wide range of artists, styles, and sounds that make Mostly Modern such a unique international celebration of music.

Featuring an all-star cast of performers, the evening showcases everything from contemporary classical works to innovative new music by living composers. Whether you're a longtime fan or simply curious to discover something new, this is a night for you!

Join us for an evening of musical exploration, inspiration, and surprises. Tickets are flying!
You can get them on our website here: https://ow.ly/2l8h50Z5XVk

05/31/2026

Such an incredible evening! And Buggy Jive is one of the best!

05/31/2026

We join the folk community in mourning the passing of Dan Duggan. Best known at the Caffe as 1/3 of Adirondack folk trio Jamcrackers , Dan was an extraordinary multi-instrumentalist, hugger, joker and appreciator of life. His deft hammered dulcimer playing was the perfect expression of his spirit: energetic and joyful. We send condolences to his wife and partner Peggy Lynn, bandmate Dan Berggren, and his innumerable friends and fans. We will always treasure our memories of Jamcrackers many summer performances at the Caffe.

For full video: https://ow.ly/y4AI50Z5UtL

Such a great show and great photo! Thank you Levin Brothers and Rudy Lu!
05/31/2026

Such a great show and great photo! Thank you Levin Brothers and Rudy Lu!

Rudy Lu got this great shot of the band last night at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY. We love this intimate club!

Address

47 Phila Street
Saratoga Springs, NY
12866

Telephone

+15185830022

Website

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