Caffe Lena's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Caffè Lena invites the community to enjoy a full day of free music and family activities in celebration of its 50th anniversary. An outdoor stage and indoor stage will run all day, and fun activities for kids will be happening in the Caffè’s Black Box theater.

Later that evening the party moves up to Skidmore as Caffè Lena and Skidmore team up to present Arlo Guthrie with Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in the new Arthur Zankel Music Center.

Arlo Guthrie
www.arlo.net

A very young Arlo Guthrie rode into Saratoga Springs and came “stompin” up to Caffè Lena where he “got took care of.” Arlo and Lena Spencer became fast friends, and Arlo’s loyalty to the little club that once extended a helping hand has endured down through the years. More than once, following his rise to national prominence with hits such as Alice’s Restaurant Massacree and City of New Orleans, he came to the struggling venue’s rescue with a benefit concert. 
     The ties between Caffè Lena and the Guthrie family have grown even deeper in recent years as son Abe and daughters Sarah Lee and Cathy Guthrie have joined the Caffè roster. Our 50th Anniversary Celebration wouldn’t be complete without Arlo.

Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group
www.robinandlinda.com

Coming up from Virginia to launch this magical evening are Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group with country, bluegrass and gospel songs sung in spectacular harmony. After years of touring clubs and the festival circuit, including numerous appearances at Caffè Lena where they camped out on the floor during weekend-long gigs, Robin and Linda gained a world-wide following through weekly appearances on A Prairie Home Companion. Robin and Linda will be joined by Jim Watson (formerly of the Red Clay Ramblers) on bass and harmony vocals, and bluegrass veteran Jimmy Gaudreau on mandolin.