January 13, 2025 by Violet Hoke (‘27)
Caffè Lena is a historic folk music venue established in 1960, making it the oldest continuously operating venue of its kind in the US. It has hosted legends like Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie. Below are some top picks for great shows in January!
Get ready for a truly electrifying night of world music with the band FRÄNDER, one of the Nordic countries’ top roots music bands. Singing in a mix of Swedish and English, they are considered a folk-rock band. They pull the spirit of first-wave Nordic folk rock bands such as Hedningarna and mix it with legendary rock bands like Led Zeppelin. They never fail to captivate the audience with a sound that’s all their own.
“This is not about tradition, this is about us, about today,” says band member Gabbi Dluzewski. “Even though the band plays exclusively on acoustic instruments, it rocks.”
Another noteworthy artist that is making an appearance this month is Jenna Nicholls. Her show is a part of the Bright Series, and provides soothing singer-songwriter elements to Caffè Lena. She really is a legend on multiple instruments, including guitar, ukulele, piano, and more. Her music as a whole breathes a new life into the world of vintage sounds, a genre already loved by many.
“Her songs land like a freight ship into the harbor of hearts and ears… The air changes. Pure mastery.” – Glen Hansard
The last pick for this month is The Suitcase Junket. This one-band man delivers a sonic whirlwind that fuses blues, Americana, and his own homemade sound into something you’ve never heard before. Led by Matt Lorenz, he builds his own instruments from found objects-such as suitcases, gas cans, and more-creating an even more unique and foot-stomping experience. This show is part tasteful storytelling via his brilliant lyricism and part chaotic skillfulness!
FRÄNDER – Friday, 1/17/25, 8pm
Jenna Nicholls – Saturday, 1/18/25, 8pm
The Suitcase Junket – Friday, 1/31/25, 8pm