PREVIEW: Caffe Lena Rings in the Fall Season with the Fiddles and Foliage Festival
09/28 @ High Rock Park, Saratoga
“Fiddles, and banjos, and strings—oh my!”
On Sunday, September 28th, the historically celebrated Caffe Lena in Saratoga will be hosting an afternoon of music, led by students and teachers of the venue’s School of Music. The Fiddles & Foliage Festival is returning for its third year to welcome the arrival of the fall season.
The festival, occurring within the pleasant High Rock Park, is set to raise support for the school itself. The School of Music has been an influential staple in upstate music, providing courses—mainly focused on folk traditions—to a wide range of students. With names such as Arlo Guthrie, Ani Difranco, and Bob Dylan all having graced the Caffe Lena stage, this American treasure knows exactly how to put together a memorable event.
"The Fiddles & Foliage Festival is the biggest fundraiser we do for the school. It gives people a taste of what our program is like, and it helps cover costs for Folk Club Kids, the Senior Learning Jam, Music With Miss Deb and more," says Matt Griffin, Director of the School of Music.
This event will proceed regardless of the weather, featuring live music, a diverse selection of food and craft vendors, and opportunities to bid on exciting prizes. Fiddles & Foliage is all about creating community, embracing connections, and raising support. Upholding the School of Music goes beyond keeping the programs alive; the School of Music provides accessible and affordable opportunities for students through the implementation of the Matt McCabe Scholarship Fund. Named after the late owner of Saratoga Guitar, this scholarship program has funded 25% of Caffe Lena students' lessons, enabling them to gain hands-on involvement in music.
"We have several students on full scholarship for whom music has been a stabilizing force as their families weather changes,” Griffin adds. “We give them a high quality instrument and instruction for as long as they remain committed to learning."
Fiddles & Foliage Festival is set to begin at 12pm and end at 4pm this Sunday, September 28th. For more information about the festival and Caffe Lena’s School of Music, please visitwww.caffelena.org