February 10, 2025 by Violet Hoke (‘27)
PROMOTION: 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 February, coming from me, an intern at Caffè Lena!
The first pick of the month is Yasmin Williams. Known for her technically intricate fingerstyle guitar playing, Yasmin blends this style of guitar with other techniques such as lap tapping and percussive rhythms. Her performances create a unique atmosphere that draws you in and makes each piece feel deeply personal and moving. Whether you’re a longtime fan of acoustic music or discovering her for the first time, Yasmin’s show promises to be an exhilarating experience.
– “When Yasmin Williams plays guitar, she conjures new possibilities and stories from the instrument.” – Rolling Stone
Crys Matthews: a woman filled with honesty, activism, and empowerment. She is known as a powerful symbol of folk, country, and activism, blending storytelling with a rich and soulful sound. Her lyrics bring light to social justice, hope, and the connection between humans as a whole, which creates a truly inspiring atmosphere. She’s often compared to being the next Woody Guthrie and has a lot of songs that are deeply relevant considering today’s world issues.
Caffè Lena not only offers memorizing shows with both upcoming and established artists, but they also offer weekly Open Mic nights. A $3-$5 donation is encouraged but not required, and you’ll get a 10-minute time slot to perform. Their friendly and diverse community provides a safe space to showcase your talents, whether that be a song, instrumental piece, or anything you’d want to share. Open Mic is also open if you don’t want to present, and you’d rather sit and enjoy some of Lena’s famous cookies while looking for inspiration from the aspiring artists braving the stage!
Yasmin Williams – Wednesday, 2/12/25, 7pm
Crys Matthews – Thursday, 2/27/25, 7pm
Open Mic Night – every Monday, sign up 6:30-7pm // show 7pm