Press Release: Caffe Lena @ SPAC Returns for Free Festival, OCT 3

August 31, 2026

“Caffè Lena @ SPAC” Returns for a Free One-Day Festival on

the Charles R. Wood Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center

With performances by Vanessa Collie, Addison Agen, Alla Boara, The Cody Sisters, and  Bad Penny Pleasuremakers

Saturday, October 3 from NOON – 5:30 PM

Saratoga Springs, NY (August 31, 2026) – In partnership with Caffè Lena, Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that the popular “Caffè Lena @ SPAC” festival will return for a free day-long concert on Saturday, October 3 from noon to 5:30 p.m. Taking place on SPAC’s Charles R. Wood Stage, the festival will feature five acts that explore bluegrass, jazz, soul, R&B, pop, and indie-folk music including Vanessa Collie, Addison Agen, Alla Boara, The Cody Sisters, and  Bad Penny Pleasuremakers. The festival highlights a unique, ongoing collaboration between the arts center and the folk music venue.

“Caffè Lena @ SPAC has become a wonderful expression of what can happen when two beloved Saratoga institutions come together with a shared passion for music and community. We’re delighted to welcome this festival back to our campus this fall, when the season takes on a different kind of magic. It’s an opportunity to gather outdoors, discover extraordinary artists, and celebrate the vibrant arts scene that makes Saratoga such a special place,” says Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

“This co-presented festival has turned into a highlight of Saratoga’s fall calendar. There’s perfect synergy between SPAC’s beautiful grounds and Caffe Lena’s roots music,” says Sarah Craig, Executive Director of Caffè Lena.

The collaboration between SPAC and Caffè Lena first launched in 2017, encompassing jointly curated and presented programs at both venues. Gates to the SPAC grounds will open at 11:30 a.m. with performances kicking off at noon. Guests are welcome to bring in food, drink, blankets and lawn chairs for the concerts. Food concessions will also be available. The concerts will take place rain or shine. Visit spac.org and caffelena.org for details and to register.

Saturday, October 3

Vanessa Collier

Vanessa Collier is a powerhouse singer, songwriter, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist blending blues, soul, R&B and funk. A twelve-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, Collier brings fierce musicianship and an independent spirit to her latest album, Do It My Own Way, a Memphis soul-inspired celebration of individuality, resilience and forging your own path.

Addison Agen

Addison Agen is an indie-folk and Americana singer-songwriter known for her powerful, heartfelt voice and reflective songs exploring hope, acceptance and joy. First introduced to a national audience as runner-up on Season 13 of The Voice, she has since shared stages with artists including Bob Seger, Gordon Lightfoot and Brandy Clark. Now based in Nashville, Agen released her latest solo album, Busy Body, in 2025 and also performs with Skye Peterson in the alternative-folk duo Fielder.

Alla Boara

Alla Boara brings the ancient folk songs of Italy to life with a fresh blend of jazz, improvisation and contemporary sounds. Led by drummer and composer Anthony Taddeo with the expressive vocals of Amanda Powell, the ensemble reimagines songs and stories from Italy’s pre-industrial past with adventurous arrangements and exceptional musicianship, celebrating ancestral roots while finding something wonderfully universal in these nearly forgotten traditions.

The Cody Sisters

The Cody Sisters: Maddie Cody, Megan Cody and Will Pavilonis, blend bluegrass roots with thoughtful songwriting, resonant harmonies and impressive instrumental musicianship. Raised in Colorado’s folk and bluegrass scene, Maddie and Megan have been making music together since childhood, with Pavilonis joining in 2020. Their latest album, All the Quiet People, captures the trio coming of age together through songs inspired by life on the road, literature and a shared belief that everyone’s story deserves to be heard.

Bad Penny Pleasuremakers

New Orleans-based Bad Penny Pleasuremakers, Matt Bell & Joy Patterson, met on a blind date shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and have been playing music as a duo and with full bands ever since. They play ragtime, acoustic blues, country blues & traditional jazz from pre-WW2 America, with a focus on Louisiana history and roots. The band features a collaboration of talented New Orleans musicians, including long-time Saratoga Springs resident Jonathan Greene.

CAFFE LENA @ SPAC CONCERT LINEUP

OCTOBER 3

11:30 AM | Gates Open

12-12:50 PM| Bad Penny Pleasuremakers

1:10-2:00 PM| The Cody Sisters

2:20-3:10 PM | Alla Boara

3:30-4:20 PM | Addison Agen

4:40- 5:30 PM | Vanessa Collier

Visit spac.org and caffelena.org for details and to register.

This event is made possible by The Nordlys Foundation and Media Sponsor Exit 97.7/106.1, WEXT Radio.

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Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its exquisite setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.

SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.

Caffè Lena

Caffè Lena presents extraordinary music in an intimate setting steeped in history. It is widely recognized as the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States, having opened its doors in 1960. The Library of Congress calls Caffè Lena “An American treasure,” and it’s been recognized by The GRAMMY Foundation for its important contributions to the development of American music.