Legendary Lena

Besides being the the longest-running coffeehouse in the country, Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs has been serving up folk, bluegrass and acoustic blues music since 1960. Big names like Skip James, Mississippi John Hurt, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Arlo Guthrie, Don McLean, Nanci Griffith, Dave Van Ronk, Odetta, Rev. Gary Davis and Utah Phillips were singing here long before coffee drinking was fashionable. After the original owners died, the coffee-house stayed open but was converted into a non-profit institution. Last night red-head lap-slide guitarist Pat Wictor and multi-personality singer/songwriter Kate McDonnell played for an intimate crowd of about 25 guests. You might recognise Kate's face or voice from the documentary film Crossing Arizona. The movie came out in theaters early last year and Kate's song "Lines" was the primary score for the film. Unfortunately, she didn't perform the score but she did sample several songs from her newest album including "Oh Mercy". It was our first time in Caffe Lena but not our last - but do take note, the food/drink selection leaves little to be desired. Go there with a full stomach and you'll enjoy the show that much more.