In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Sarah Craig, the Executive Director at Caffé Lena! Caffé Lena needs no introduction as one of the most historic spots in all of Saratoga Springs, and Sarah has plenty of stories to tell about its past, present… And future!
00:40 – An Introduction to Caffé Lena, and Sarah Craig
02:40 – 10 People… 900 Events! Managing a Staff
05:45 – The 2016 Renovation
08:23 – A Deeper History: Caffé Lena’s Origins
11:43 – Entrepreneurial Optimism: Joy and Struggle, Struggle and Joy
13:59 – Check Out the Documentary at: https://www.wmht.org/lena/
14:17 – The Library of Congress: https://history.caffelena.org/
15:00 – Famous Performers… Have to Start Somewhere!
17:20 – The COVID Crash: Thank You to All Donors!
17:54 – Commercial Break: Visit Bogey’s Pub & Grill!
18:19 – Keeping an Audience: Could Saratoga Become an Artist’s Haven?
20:58 – Emerging Artists and Legends Only!
24:47 – Not Just for Folk Folks: Lineage is the Deciding Factor!
26:41 – Keeping Ticket Prices Reasonable, While Respecting Performers
29:58 – The Importance of Merchandising
31:47 – Post-COVID… Everybody Wants to Hear Music Again!
35:18 – Focus on New People
36:47 – Commercial Break: Visit Skyzone Trampoline Park, Queensbury!
37:50 – Weekdays… Open Mic, No Alcohol, Music Lessons!
39:35 – Amplifying Fellow Non-Profits
40:56 – The Art of Community
43:03 – True Songs
43:51 – How to Get in Touch: https://www.caffelena.org/
