Live at Lena’s: Magpie Celebrates 50th Anniversary in May; Plus: A Slew of Open Mics for Music and Words

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Folk/Americana duo Magpie, comprised of Greg Artzner & Terry Leonino, are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with an appearance at Caffe Lena on Saturday, May 13. 

The duo first began singing together in Kent, Ohio in 1973, and in the 50 years since have performed on international stages – from major folk festivals to intimate folk clubs, school auditoriums to demonstrations and rallies. 

Their recordings include collections and song cycles on special themes, as well as tracks on notable anthologies – songs of Civil Rights and tributes to Pete Seeger, Utah Phillips, Jean Ritchie, and Phil Ochs, among them.  

Magpie has been a part of Caffe Lena since the 1970s, performing at the venue in the days when Lena Spencer held court. 

Magpie will be joined by Rolly Brown on guitar and Charlie Pilzer on string bass. For more information and tickets, go to: caffelena.org. 

Upcoming at Caffe Lena: 

Open Mic Night for Music – Monday, May 1. Sign-up at 6:30 p.m. Show at 7. Originals encouraged, 2 songs or 10 minutes. Host: Rick Bolton. 

Storytelling Open Mic – Tuesday, May 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. stories at 7. Storytellers of all styles and levels of experience welcome. Featured: Kelvin Keraga – actor, storyteller and writer.   

Poetry Open Mic – Wednesday, May 3. Sign-up at 6:30. Readings at 7. Host: Carol Graser. Two short poems, or one longer poem, five minutes limit. Featured: Andrea Carter Brown – author most recently of  September 12, winner of the 2022 IPPY Silver Medal in Poetry from the Independent Publishers Association. The collection was finished during a residency at Yaddo. 

Playwright’s Jam – Sunday, May 7. Doors open 1:30 p.m., Casting begins at 1:45. Event: 2-4 p.m. Meetup for local Writers, Actors, & Directors. Co-hosted by Michael Wells-Oakes and Vivian Nesbitt