REVIEW: A Standing O’ For Zan and the Winter Folk
02/06 @ Caffè Lena, Saratoga Springs
“We haven’t played here as a full band since 2021, and never with a drummer before, so to be back at Caffè Lena, on that stage, with this band, and that audience — it was really special.”
Having been inside Caffè Lena, but not seeing a show there yet, I had been waiting for the right time and the right bill to come along. While I'd yet to see Troy-based Zan & the Winter Folk before, the buzz around them has been hard to ignore thanks to their 2025 Eddie Award winning, first full-length album, New Morse Code. My excitement built as I approached the front of the building on Phila Street, the Caffè Lena logo illuminating the sidewalk. That excitement was well rewarded from the first note.
As soon as they took the stage, their presence commanded the attention of the entire room as they quietly picked up their instruments to begin their first song. You could hear a pin drop before those first notes — that silence was honored during the songs, but in between was filled with playful banter between the band, demonstrating a chemistry that fully translates to the music. The audience was responsive to both as the room filled with laughter and raucous applause in the corresponding moments.
Led by Zan Strumfeld, the Winter Folk demonstrated incredible restraint through their dynamic playing in order to serve each song’s nuances, which could be particularly appreciated in an outstanding listening room setting, allowing them to shine. Make no mistake, however: when it was time to let loose through power, volume, or a flashy solo, they were up to the task all while remaining tasteful.
Not once did they ever push the atmosphere beyond its quaint listening room capabilities, a challenging feat for a full band. Whether through Zan’s insane voice and vocal control, drummer Brendan Tompkins' composure, knowing when to back off and when to come on strong, or guitarist Will Brown’s restraint, keeping even the most aggressive of solos within the realm of the song, they nailed the dynamic ebb and flow. That said, there was not a lot of restraint from quips between songs, particularly banjo player Michael Gregg (who also notably added nice layers to the music). It always felt like the audience was in on whatever joke was being made, and it added a layer of charm and connection to the evening. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention bass player Sean Fortune’s playing, and even more effective backing vocals.
The band played two sets, with a nice mix of songs from New Morse Code, some songs from their previous releases like their EP How To Be Alone, and some songs that are soon to be recorded in 2026. While it was a stellar show from start to finish, some of the highlights were songs, “Stay Put,” “New Morse Code,” “Southbound,” “Whenever I Can,” and a tremendous cover of Bonny Light Horseman’s “The Roving.” Beside the quips, there were nice additions to the lore of some of the songs, adding a nice depth to the wonderful songwriting and arrangements.
After the last notes rang out, the audience gave a standing ovation as the band put down their instruments and started to make their exit, to which Zan joked, “I know you’re all just ready to stand up.” That was met with the crowd getting even louder and making its intention known, that we all really wanted more, and the band delivered an encore without leaving the stage.
This band is truly special and we’re lucky to be able to claim them as a local act — they have the songs and ability to be recognized beyond our area, making it clear why the buzz around them continues to circulate. I left with the immediate feeling of this being an early show of the year candidate. On the way out, the band waited near their merch to greet anyone who wanted to stop and even share a quick hello, so I had the chance to chat with Zan quickly and got to hear her feelings about the show.
“We haven’t played here as a full band since 2021, and never with a drummer before, so to be back at Caffe Lena, on that stage, with this band, and that audience — it was really special.”
Make sure to give @ZanAndTheWinterFolk a follow on Instagram to keep up with them, and to see what else is happening at Caffe Lena, you can follow them at @caffelena