I will be producing and hosting a Bob Dylan 85th Birthday Bash in the same room where the Bard of Hibbing played when he was 20 years old, before he had a recording contract. The lien-up is insane, with Julia Alsarraf, Girl Blue, BlueBillies, Buggy Jive, Chuck Lamb and Kate McDonnell all offering their favorite Dylan tunes. I’ll play a few as well.

https://www.caffelena.org/event/bob-dylan-birthday-tribute/

A free, early Saratoga Songwriter Night with Gail Sparlin, sponsored by Bar People. We each offer solo sets then join together for a final round of trading songs.

A songwriters night with my pal Kate McDonnell. We will share the stage and trade songs and stories.

The second of two benefit shows I’ll be doing to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Guy Clark’s remarkable “Old No. 1” album. Clark is an absolute paragon of American songwriting. I was lucky to see him live many times, often with his pal and peer Townes Van Zandt, and even to open a show for him once.

This edition of the touring program, assembled by the masterful Rees Shad, also includes Meghan Cary, Stephen Clair, Lance Cowan, Peter Farrell, Adam Monaco, Cate Monaco, Buddy Mondlock, Jack Murray and Mr. Shad himself.

For the first set, we’ll each perform a song from “Old No.1.” For the second, we’ll each do one of our own, and talk about the direct connection from Clark to our own work. There will be, I’m sure, plenty of crosstalk and sitting in.

All proceeds from all tour stops benefit The Guy Clark Family Foundation, which offers songwriters creative and professional support.

For many years, I played this venue—yes, the actual church from Arlo Guthrie’s masterpiece “Alice’s Restaurant”—annually as a member of Berkshire Ramblers. I’m excited to make my first solo appearance.

The first of two benefit shows I’ll be doing to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Guy Clark’s remarkable “Old No. 1” album. Clark is an absolute paragon of American songwriting. I was lucky to see him live many times, often with his pal and peer Townes Van Zandt, and even to open a show for him once.

This edition of the touring program, assembled by the masterful Rees Shad, also includes Meghan Cary, Stephen Clair, Peter Farrell, Adam Monaco, Cate Monaco, Buddy Mondlock, Jack Murray and Mr. Shad himself.

For the first set, we’ll each perform a song from “Old No.1.” For the second, we’ll each do one of our own, and talk about the direct connection from Clark to our own work. There will be, I’m sure, plenty of crosstalk and sitting in.

All proceeds from all tour stops benefit The Guy Clark Family Foundation, which offers songwriters creative and professional support.

I’m thrilled to be part of the kickoff for the fourth season of Scott Womer’s “Song City” project of writers-in-the-round. The eclectic and, I think, dazzling bill also features Veena & Devesh Chandra, John Glenn (Dayburn) and the wonderful Kate McDonnell, who promises she will sing a song with me!

This is the indefatigable and inspiring Erin Harkes’ monthly song circle. Woot! I’ll be joining Erin, longtime pal John Brodeur, and Kayla Phillips, for a Bluebird Café-style “guitar pull,” which remains, after producing and hosting the Borders SongWriters Forum for nearly a decade, one of my favorite formats. I’ll be doing songs from my new album, “fermata,” and, for shiggles, I may toss in one from my debut, “cowboy black,” which turns 30 this year.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lena-go-round-songwriter-showcase-with-erin-harkes-tickets-996554881477

I’ll be a “competitor” in the Capital Region Blues Network’s annual Solo/Duo Challenge, along with The Last Pangaeans. I view it less as a challenge than a celebration. I’m psyched. 2 Blue, featuring Amy Ryan and Richard Green, will also perform. I’ll be playing blues-inflected originals and a few selected chestnuts from the canon. I’ve played blues—electric and acoustic—with Chefs of the Future, Stomplistics, Generic Blues Band, Ramblin Jug Stompers, Don McGrory and the Snake Charmers, Lost Radio Rounders and others. I also participated as a solo for many years with Saratoga Acoustic Blues Society and explored portraits of “The Blues on Fire” as a visual artist (some of which can be seen in the “Paintings” section here). Needless to say, I’m thrilled to be working in this format again, especially with such a great organization.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/capital-region-blues-network-solo-duo-competition-tickets-903853709777

I first learned of the legendary Dreamaway Lodge at age 15, reading Sam Shepard's "Rolling Thunder Logbook," a travelogue of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue. To finally be performing there, much less as a guest of my pal Rees Shad is a dream and a delight. Rees and I will be joining Andrew Dunn in a songwriters circle—a format I have long loved, as anyone who ever attended one of my Borders SongWriters Forums is well aware. Reservations, and having an awesome dinner, are both recommended.

I’ll be playing solo, doing an evening of free “library songs” inspired by literature, including a number of selections from my new album, “fermata,” sparked by Russell Banks, Raymond Carver, Stewart O’Nan and John Steinbeck, as well as by abstracts of historic Albany murders. I’ll also debut some recent tunes created after taking a February deep dive back into the remarkable work of Michael Ondaatje. Reading is fun; libraries are an eternal wonder. And, hey, the Encore Book Shed will be open until 7 p.m!

I'll be assembling a nifty little ensemble to accompany me on an evening of original chestnuts, new compositions and classic folk songs at my favorite venue. It's a celebration of my 60th birthday, and I hope you'll join me. I'm not old, I'm seasoned! And I'll be getting my eighth tattoo earlier in the day!

www.caffelena.org

Eck and Clair perform solo sets in a performance that is broadcast live on WAMC. Join in the fun by being live in the room, as it happens!

I'll play a set to open for one of my great heroes and inspirations, Peter Case, as part Of Hillview Sounds' "Road Rambler" series at Argyle Brewing Co.'s Cambridge Taproom—a beautiful space in an old railroad depot. Peter taught me my first open tuning and I covered one of his songs on my "In My shoes" album. He's so good it hurts. Watch the recent documentary about him; listen to his new album; then go see him live. You won't regret it!

If the stars align, maybe I'll even get to play a little mandolin with Mr. Case.

https://www.argylebrewing.com/events-1

Old friends, and bandmates, Michael Eck and Stephen Clair will each play solo sets of original songs, from albums new and old, plus some never heard before. https://fb.me/e/13Ctg1cB5

I'll be playing a song to induct the wonderful Wanda Fischer into the Eddies Hall of Fame. Many other artists will perform and each inductee will be featured in a video and live speech. Conrgatulations to all!

https://universalpreservationhall.org/event/2023-capital-region-thomas-edison-hall-of-fame-ceremony/

A classic, great-sounding old movie house and one of my favorite places to play. And I should know. I’ve been there with Lost Radio Rounders, Ramblin Jug Stompers and Ampersand! This time it will be Almost Unplugged, and I’ll be joining a great group of fellow songwriters in the round. We’ll be playing our own songs, but maybe jumping in on one another’s, too. Who knows what could happen!

I’ll be playing a set of new songs just outside the wonderful Steamer No. 10 Theatre on Madison Ave. So glad to be invited to return to this free Fest. The Steamer and I go way back, and the theatre has always been supportive and deserves our support in return.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-eck-40th-anniversary-tickets-355187815317

Recent Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame inductee Michael Eck—along with select special guests—celebrates his 40th Anniversary in live music with a solo show that both looks back across his career as a songwriter and introduces new music with an eye toward the future. Self-billed as a “roots scholar,” Eck, who plays in Caffe Lena favorites Lost Radio Rounders, imbues his tunes, covered by the likes of Mark Tolstrup, Frank Jaklitsch, Kevin Maul and Steve Candlen, with a deep knowledge of and respect for American roots.

All Ages $10-$20

An evening of new original songs developed as part of the "Reading Music" series at Albany Public Library, including songs based on the work of Raymond Carver, John Steinbeck, Michael Ondaatje and abstracts of actual Albany County crimes of the past.   Accompanied by bassist Bob Buckley and mandolinist/guitarist Sten Isachsen.

Looking forward to sitting for an interview and singing some original songs at what is a new venue for me. Come on down.

I will be producing and hosting a Bob Dylan 85th Birthday Bash in the same room where the Bard of Hibbing played when he was 20 years old, before he had a recording contract. The lien-up is insane, with Julia Alsarraf, Girl Blue, BlueBillies, Buggy Jive, Chuck Lamb and Kate McDonnell all offering their favorite Dylan tunes. I’ll play a few as well.

https://www.caffelena.org/event/bob-dylan-birthday-tribute/

A free, early Saratoga Songwriter Night with Gail Sparlin, sponsored by Bar People. We each offer solo sets then join together for a final round of trading songs.

A songwriters night with my pal Kate McDonnell. We will share the stage and trade songs and stories.

The second of two benefit shows I’ll be doing to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Guy Clark’s remarkable “Old No. 1” album. Clark is an absolute paragon of American songwriting. I was lucky to see him live many times, often with his pal and peer Townes Van Zandt, and even to open a show for him once.

This edition of the touring program, assembled by the masterful Rees Shad, also includes Meghan Cary, Stephen Clair, Lance Cowan, Peter Farrell, Adam Monaco, Cate Monaco, Buddy Mondlock, Jack Murray and Mr. Shad himself.

For the first set, we’ll each perform a song from “Old No.1.” For the second, we’ll each do one of our own, and talk about the direct connection from Clark to our own work. There will be, I’m sure, plenty of crosstalk and sitting in.

All proceeds from all tour stops benefit The Guy Clark Family Foundation, which offers songwriters creative and professional support.

For many years, I played this venue—yes, the actual church from Arlo Guthrie’s masterpiece “Alice’s Restaurant”—annually as a member of Berkshire Ramblers. I’m excited to make my first solo appearance.

The first of two benefit shows I’ll be doing to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Guy Clark’s remarkable “Old No. 1” album. Clark is an absolute paragon of American songwriting. I was lucky to see him live many times, often with his pal and peer Townes Van Zandt, and even to open a show for him once.

This edition of the touring program, assembled by the masterful Rees Shad, also includes Meghan Cary, Stephen Clair, Peter Farrell, Adam Monaco, Cate Monaco, Buddy Mondlock, Jack Murray and Mr. Shad himself.

For the first set, we’ll each perform a song from “Old No.1.” For the second, we’ll each do one of our own, and talk about the direct connection from Clark to our own work. There will be, I’m sure, plenty of crosstalk and sitting in.

All proceeds from all tour stops benefit The Guy Clark Family Foundation, which offers songwriters creative and professional support.

I’m thrilled to be part of the kickoff for the fourth season of Scott Womer’s “Song City” project of writers-in-the-round. The eclectic and, I think, dazzling bill also features Veena & Devesh Chandra, John Glenn (Dayburn) and the wonderful Kate McDonnell, who promises she will sing a song with me!

This is the indefatigable and inspiring Erin Harkes’ monthly song circle. Woot! I’ll be joining Erin, longtime pal John Brodeur, and Kayla Phillips, for a Bluebird Café-style “guitar pull,” which remains, after producing and hosting the Borders SongWriters Forum for nearly a decade, one of my favorite formats. I’ll be doing songs from my new album, “fermata,” and, for shiggles, I may toss in one from my debut, “cowboy black,” which turns 30 this year.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lena-go-round-songwriter-showcase-with-erin-harkes-tickets-996554881477

I’ll be a “competitor” in the Capital Region Blues Network’s annual Solo/Duo Challenge, along with The Last Pangaeans. I view it less as a challenge than a celebration. I’m psyched. 2 Blue, featuring Amy Ryan and Richard Green, will also perform. I’ll be playing blues-inflected originals and a few selected chestnuts from the canon. I’ve played blues—electric and acoustic—with Chefs of the Future, Stomplistics, Generic Blues Band, Ramblin Jug Stompers, Don McGrory and the Snake Charmers, Lost Radio Rounders and others. I also participated as a solo for many years with Saratoga Acoustic Blues Society and explored portraits of “The Blues on Fire” as a visual artist (some of which can be seen in the “Paintings” section here). Needless to say, I’m thrilled to be working in this format again, especially with such a great organization.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/capital-region-blues-network-solo-duo-competition-tickets-903853709777

I first learned of the legendary Dreamaway Lodge at age 15, reading Sam Shepard's "Rolling Thunder Logbook," a travelogue of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue. To finally be performing there, much less as a guest of my pal Rees Shad is a dream and a delight. Rees and I will be joining Andrew Dunn in a songwriters circle—a format I have long loved, as anyone who ever attended one of my Borders SongWriters Forums is well aware. Reservations, and having an awesome dinner, are both recommended.

I’ll be playing solo, doing an evening of free “library songs” inspired by literature, including a number of selections from my new album, “fermata,” sparked by Russell Banks, Raymond Carver, Stewart O’Nan and John Steinbeck, as well as by abstracts of historic Albany murders. I’ll also debut some recent tunes created after taking a February deep dive back into the remarkable work of Michael Ondaatje. Reading is fun; libraries are an eternal wonder. And, hey, the Encore Book Shed will be open until 7 p.m!

I'll be assembling a nifty little ensemble to accompany me on an evening of original chestnuts, new compositions and classic folk songs at my favorite venue. It's a celebration of my 60th birthday, and I hope you'll join me. I'm not old, I'm seasoned! And I'll be getting my eighth tattoo earlier in the day!

www.caffelena.org

Eck and Clair perform solo sets in a performance that is broadcast live on WAMC. Join in the fun by being live in the room, as it happens!

I'll play a set to open for one of my great heroes and inspirations, Peter Case, as part Of Hillview Sounds' "Road Rambler" series at Argyle Brewing Co.'s Cambridge Taproom—a beautiful space in an old railroad depot. Peter taught me my first open tuning and I covered one of his songs on my "In My shoes" album. He's so good it hurts. Watch the recent documentary about him; listen to his new album; then go see him live. You won't regret it!

If the stars align, maybe I'll even get to play a little mandolin with Mr. Case.

https://www.argylebrewing.com/events-1

Old friends, and bandmates, Michael Eck and Stephen Clair will each play solo sets of original songs, from albums new and old, plus some never heard before. https://fb.me/e/13Ctg1cB5

I'll be playing a song to induct the wonderful Wanda Fischer into the Eddies Hall of Fame. Many other artists will perform and each inductee will be featured in a video and live speech. Conrgatulations to all!

https://universalpreservationhall.org/event/2023-capital-region-thomas-edison-hall-of-fame-ceremony/

A classic, great-sounding old movie house and one of my favorite places to play. And I should know. I’ve been there with Lost Radio Rounders, Ramblin Jug Stompers and Ampersand! This time it will be Almost Unplugged, and I’ll be joining a great group of fellow songwriters in the round. We’ll be playing our own songs, but maybe jumping in on one another’s, too. Who knows what could happen!

I’ll be playing a set of new songs just outside the wonderful Steamer No. 10 Theatre on Madison Ave. So glad to be invited to return to this free Fest. The Steamer and I go way back, and the theatre has always been supportive and deserves our support in return.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-eck-40th-anniversary-tickets-355187815317

Recent Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame inductee Michael Eck—along with select special guests—celebrates his 40th Anniversary in live music with a solo show that both looks back across his career as a songwriter and introduces new music with an eye toward the future. Self-billed as a “roots scholar,” Eck, who plays in Caffe Lena favorites Lost Radio Rounders, imbues his tunes, covered by the likes of Mark Tolstrup, Frank Jaklitsch, Kevin Maul and Steve Candlen, with a deep knowledge of and respect for American roots.

All Ages $10-$20

An evening of new original songs developed as part of the "Reading Music" series at Albany Public Library, including songs based on the work of Raymond Carver, John Steinbeck, Michael Ondaatje and abstracts of actual Albany County crimes of the past.   Accompanied by bassist Bob Buckley and mandolinist/guitarist Sten Isachsen.

Looking forward to sitting for an interview and singing some original songs at what is a new venue for me. Come on down.

I will be producing and hosting a Bob Dylan 85th Birthday Bash in the same room where the Bard of Hibbing played when he was 20 years old, before he had a recording contract. The lien-up is insane, with Julia Alsarraf, Girl Blue, BlueBillies, Buggy Jive, Chuck Lamb and Kate McDonnell all offering their favorite Dylan tunes. I’ll play a few as well.

https://www.caffelena.org/event/bob-dylan-birthday-tribute/

A free, early Saratoga Songwriter Night with Gail Sparlin, sponsored by Bar People. We each offer solo sets then join together for a final round of trading songs.

A songwriters night with my pal Kate McDonnell. We will share the stage and trade songs and stories.

The second of two benefit shows I’ll be doing to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Guy Clark’s remarkable “Old No. 1” album. Clark is an absolute paragon of American songwriting. I was lucky to see him live many times, often with his pal and peer Townes Van Zandt, and even to open a show for him once.

This edition of the touring program, assembled by the masterful Rees Shad, also includes Meghan Cary, Stephen Clair, Lance Cowan, Peter Farrell, Adam Monaco, Cate Monaco, Buddy Mondlock, Jack Murray and Mr. Shad himself.

For the first set, we’ll each perform a song from “Old No.1.” For the second, we’ll each do one of our own, and talk about the direct connection from Clark to our own work. There will be, I’m sure, plenty of crosstalk and sitting in.

All proceeds from all tour stops benefit The Guy Clark Family Foundation, which offers songwriters creative and professional support.

For many years, I played this venue—yes, the actual church from Arlo Guthrie’s masterpiece “Alice’s Restaurant”—annually as a member of Berkshire Ramblers. I’m excited to make my first solo appearance.

The first of two benefit shows I’ll be doing to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Guy Clark’s remarkable “Old No. 1” album. Clark is an absolute paragon of American songwriting. I was lucky to see him live many times, often with his pal and peer Townes Van Zandt, and even to open a show for him once.

This edition of the touring program, assembled by the masterful Rees Shad, also includes Meghan Cary, Stephen Clair, Peter Farrell, Adam Monaco, Cate Monaco, Buddy Mondlock, Jack Murray and Mr. Shad himself.

For the first set, we’ll each perform a song from “Old No.1.” For the second, we’ll each do one of our own, and talk about the direct connection from Clark to our own work. There will be, I’m sure, plenty of crosstalk and sitting in.

All proceeds from all tour stops benefit The Guy Clark Family Foundation, which offers songwriters creative and professional support.

I’m thrilled to be part of the kickoff for the fourth season of Scott Womer’s “Song City” project of writers-in-the-round. The eclectic and, I think, dazzling bill also features Veena & Devesh Chandra, John Glenn (Dayburn) and the wonderful Kate McDonnell, who promises she will sing a song with me!

This is the indefatigable and inspiring Erin Harkes’ monthly song circle. Woot! I’ll be joining Erin, longtime pal John Brodeur, and Kayla Phillips, for a Bluebird Café-style “guitar pull,” which remains, after producing and hosting the Borders SongWriters Forum for nearly a decade, one of my favorite formats. I’ll be doing songs from my new album, “fermata,” and, for shiggles, I may toss in one from my debut, “cowboy black,” which turns 30 this year.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lena-go-round-songwriter-showcase-with-erin-harkes-tickets-996554881477

I’ll be a “competitor” in the Capital Region Blues Network’s annual Solo/Duo Challenge, along with The Last Pangaeans. I view it less as a challenge than a celebration. I’m psyched. 2 Blue, featuring Amy Ryan and Richard Green, will also perform. I’ll be playing blues-inflected originals and a few selected chestnuts from the canon. I’ve played blues—electric and acoustic—with Chefs of the Future, Stomplistics, Generic Blues Band, Ramblin Jug Stompers, Don McGrory and the Snake Charmers, Lost Radio Rounders and others. I also participated as a solo for many years with Saratoga Acoustic Blues Society and explored portraits of “The Blues on Fire” as a visual artist (some of which can be seen in the “Paintings” section here). Needless to say, I’m thrilled to be working in this format again, especially with such a great organization.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/capital-region-blues-network-solo-duo-competition-tickets-903853709777

I first learned of the legendary Dreamaway Lodge at age 15, reading Sam Shepard's "Rolling Thunder Logbook," a travelogue of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue. To finally be performing there, much less as a guest of my pal Rees Shad is a dream and a delight. Rees and I will be joining Andrew Dunn in a songwriters circle—a format I have long loved, as anyone who ever attended one of my Borders SongWriters Forums is well aware. Reservations, and having an awesome dinner, are both recommended.

I’ll be playing solo, doing an evening of free “library songs” inspired by literature, including a number of selections from my new album, “fermata,” sparked by Russell Banks, Raymond Carver, Stewart O’Nan and John Steinbeck, as well as by abstracts of historic Albany murders. I’ll also debut some recent tunes created after taking a February deep dive back into the remarkable work of Michael Ondaatje. Reading is fun; libraries are an eternal wonder. And, hey, the Encore Book Shed will be open until 7 p.m!

I'll be assembling a nifty little ensemble to accompany me on an evening of original chestnuts, new compositions and classic folk songs at my favorite venue. It's a celebration of my 60th birthday, and I hope you'll join me. I'm not old, I'm seasoned! And I'll be getting my eighth tattoo earlier in the day!

www.caffelena.org

Eck and Clair perform solo sets in a performance that is broadcast live on WAMC. Join in the fun by being live in the room, as it happens!

I'll play a set to open for one of my great heroes and inspirations, Peter Case, as part Of Hillview Sounds' "Road Rambler" series at Argyle Brewing Co.'s Cambridge Taproom—a beautiful space in an old railroad depot. Peter taught me my first open tuning and I covered one of his songs on my "In My shoes" album. He's so good it hurts. Watch the recent documentary about him; listen to his new album; then go see him live. You won't regret it!

If the stars align, maybe I'll even get to play a little mandolin with Mr. Case.

https://www.argylebrewing.com/events-1

Old friends, and bandmates, Michael Eck and Stephen Clair will each play solo sets of original songs, from albums new and old, plus some never heard before. https://fb.me/e/13Ctg1cB5

I'll be playing a song to induct the wonderful Wanda Fischer into the Eddies Hall of Fame. Many other artists will perform and each inductee will be featured in a video and live speech. Conrgatulations to all!

https://universalpreservationhall.org/event/2023-capital-region-thomas-edison-hall-of-fame-ceremony/

A classic, great-sounding old movie house and one of my favorite places to play. And I should know. I’ve been there with Lost Radio Rounders, Ramblin Jug Stompers and Ampersand! This time it will be Almost Unplugged, and I’ll be joining a great group of fellow songwriters in the round. We’ll be playing our own songs, but maybe jumping in on one another’s, too. Who knows what could happen!

I’ll be playing a set of new songs just outside the wonderful Steamer No. 10 Theatre on Madison Ave. So glad to be invited to return to this free Fest. The Steamer and I go way back, and the theatre has always been supportive and deserves our support in return.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-eck-40th-anniversary-tickets-355187815317

Recent Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame inductee Michael Eck—along with select special guests—celebrates his 40th Anniversary in live music with a solo show that both looks back across his career as a songwriter and introduces new music with an eye toward the future. Self-billed as a “roots scholar,” Eck, who plays in Caffe Lena favorites Lost Radio Rounders, imbues his tunes, covered by the likes of Mark Tolstrup, Frank Jaklitsch, Kevin Maul and Steve Candlen, with a deep knowledge of and respect for American roots.

All Ages $10-$20

An evening of new original songs developed as part of the "Reading Music" series at Albany Public Library, including songs based on the work of Raymond Carver, John Steinbeck, Michael Ondaatje and abstracts of actual Albany County crimes of the past.   Accompanied by bassist Bob Buckley and mandolinist/guitarist Sten Isachsen.

Looking forward to sitting for an interview and singing some original songs at what is a new venue for me. Come on down.