Lena Go Round-Songwriters Showcase Hosted by Erin Harkes

For 65 years, Caffè Lena has been a place where great artists get their start—a stage where music is more than just sound; it’s stories, community, and discovery. The Lena Go Round continues that tradition, offering a monthly showcase of rising songwriting talent, curated and hosted by powerhouse musician, comedian, entrepreneur, and all around powerhouse, Erin Harkes.

What makes Lena Go Round special?

• It is a curated lineup of the best up-and-coming songwriters—handpicked to deliver unforgettable performances
• It is a true “in the round” experience—where songwriters take turns sharing their music and stories, creating an intimate and inspiring atmosphere
• It is a direct link to Caffè Lena’s legacy—this stage launched careers, and Lena Go Round continues to nurture the next generation of folk, Americana, and indie artists

The lineup changes every month, but one thing is constant: you will always hear something fresh, moving, and unforgettable. October's Lineup is a big one!

Erin has Lulu Grey, the 10-year old local phenomenon who just released their first album! Erin also has Kenny & Lori from the super popular local band, Super 400, Maggie Doherty, another very popular local singer/songwriter, and Erin!

Whether you're a lifelong folk fan or just love discovering the next big thing, Lena Go Round is the place to be.

Come be part of a Capital District must-see event, where the best of the best take the stage before the world catches on.

SAMPLE SONG 

Stream this show live at Caffè Lena TV. Enjoy two weeks of access with your live stream ticket. 

ARTIST BIOS

Lulu Grey

Lulu Grey is a ten-year-old singer-songwriter, born and raised in Albany, New York. With a profound passion for music from a young age, Lulu has dedicated years to refining their craft, drawing inspiration from various genres and personal experiences.

In September 2025, Grey released their debut album, “Dreamin’ Grey,” featuring seven original compositions. They also premiered a music video for their single “Look At Us Now.”

In their burgeoning career, they have already performed at the esteemed Caffe Lena and on the main stage at the 2025 Pride Festival in Washington Park before thousands of spectators.

With no signs of slowing down, Grey is already working on new music and is poised to become a formidable presence in the Capital Region music community and beyond.

Kenny & Lori

Lori Friday and Kenny Hohman are two thirds of the renowned rock band Super 400, who in 2022 were inducted into the Capital Region Music Hall of Fame and awarded the title of 'Best Rock Band' by the Thomas Edison Music Awards (2022, 2023, 2025). Kenny and Lori (along with drummer Joe Daley) began playing music together in 1996, and have completed several studio albums and dozens of US and European tours.

Lori and Kenny are 2/3 owners of the Troy Music Academy (along with guitarist Graham Tichy), which has 16 teachers and has taught music to thousands of students, ages 4 to 90. The couple have written and recorded hundreds of tracks for television and film. They’ve also enjoyed several projects and tours as session musicians over the years. Their home is in New York's Capital Region, where they love playing in their other projects, Family Tree and Get Zep! In between Super 400 shows and recording.

Super 400’s fifth studio album will be released in early 2026, titled Spirit in the Sound.

Kenny and Lori have played and loved for 30 years, over thousands of miles together. Their sound is honest and full of fire; the connection between the two musicians reflects the deep bond they’ve shared, now in their third decade as a band. 

Lori and Kenny have a twelve year old daughter, Ellie, and the three love reading, traveling, laughing, and playing music together.

Maggie Doherty ​

Maggie is a versatile, skilled and soulful singer moving easily between pop, country/folk, r&b, and rock&roll, fronting many different performance groups, wedding bands, acoustic duo/trios and her own solo act in both her native Capital Region and the Tri-State area. She grew up singing in a musical family and honed an ear for pitch, tone and harmony performing with her mother, uncle and aunts in loud bars on the Saratoga music circuit. She started and fronted her own acts in high school – at 17, performing Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin and Beatles covers for rowdy racetrack tourists in downtown Saratoga.

Maggie releases her first original EP in the fall of 2025, title track “Night Words” out on 8/29. She worked with local folk musician and producer Chris Carey of Millstone Studios on the recordings. 

Credits include opening sets for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Adam Lambert, Twenty One Pilots and Third Eye Blind; singing the National Anthem at Citi Field for the New York Mets and at the Saratoga Race Course on Traver’s Stakes Day. She regularly performs with Erin Willett of NBC’s The Voice, including acoustic trio gigs at the Rio Grand Opening in Gaithersburg, Maryland and Capitoline in Asbury Park, and many wedding and venue gigs at New York’s The Knitting Factory, Arlene’s Grocery, Rockwood Music Hall and Bowery Electric as part of NYC-based 15-piece tour de force, The Chromantics. 

​Maggie has performed at The Saratoga Hall of Springs, Canfield Casino, The Lodge and many more as part of the popular capital region/New York State wedding band Soul Session, and makes regular appearances at Carson’s, King’s Tavern, Prime at Saratoga National, The Inn at Saratoga and The Parting Glass with her uncle Rick Bolton and his band, Big Medicine; her aunt and duo partner Katy Dwyer, and Nashville-based musician Zac Rossi, also a Saratoga native.  

Influences include: The Chicks, Brandi Carlile, Bonnie Raitt, Dolly Parton, Adele, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Sara Bareilles, Miranda Lambert, Elle King, First Aid Kit, Kacey Musgraves, Jack White, Susan Tedeschi, Alicia Keys, Rachael Price/Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Michelle Branch, Alannis Morissette, and Patsy Cline (the name of her precious pup). She and her husband Josh welcomed their daughter, Winnie, in April 2024. (www.maggiedoherty.com) 

Erin Harkes (Of course!)

Note: Caffe Lena does not permit ticket reselling above face value. Tickets purchased for the purpose of resale may be canceled without notice, and refunds for such purchases will not be granted.

Tags

Singer Songwriter