Caffe Lena Inc

Named in honor of Kevin and Claudia Bright, these monthly shows feature artists playing the venue for the first time. We select fresh, contemporary roots-based musicians who are making waves in the national folk scene, getting strong radio play, charting, releasing albums, developing a strong following on social media, touring hard, and selling out venues.

Our headline artists travel into the community to deliver live music where it’s needed: elderly care centers, schools, the soup kitchen, recovery support groups and more. Since launching in February we’ve touched the lives of more than 1,500 people with the healing power of music.

This program showcases roots-based artists from non-English-speaking nations. These lively concerts enrich our community with fresh perspectives, rarely heard instruments, and compelling rhythms.

Presenting free kid-friendly matinees. The lively, toe-tapping setlists appeal to all ages and introduces the youngest listeners to the joy of live music.

Starting with opening night in May of 1960, Caffe Lena has presented diverse voices on stage and created an inclusive atmosphere. Pride Night continues that tradition every first Thursday with concerts where LGBTQ people and supportive allies enjoy music, creativity and community in a room that welcomes all.

Our Community Classroom aims to catalyze fresh thinking through conversation that is respectful, deep, empowering and unique. As Caffe Lena has long provided a stage where the stories of all people are honored, this bi-monthly civics lesson builds on the venue’s folk heritage with an understanding of real life struggle in today’s world.

TrueSongs is an annual event that reveals real life challenges faced by our neighbors. To find the stories, Caffe Lena reached out to local nonprofits that lend a helping hand to people in our community. Each storyteller has been paired with a songwriter who will capture the story with lyrics and melodies. At the performance, each pair will take the stage together, and make these true experiences come alive with an artistic presentation that breaks through stereotypes and boundaries.