Capital Region Musicians Pay Tribute to Folksinger Bill Staines at Caffe Lena on Jan. 22

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Jan. 22, Caffe Lena will host “Crossing the Water” a tribute concert celebrating the life and legacy of Bill Staines. The songwriter died in December after a battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, according to his website. He was 74. 

Staines had performed at Saratoga Springs coffeehouse Caffe Lena twice a year from 1968 to 2021. He enjoyed a decades-long music career that began during the folk revival movement of the 1960s. He was said to have driven more than 65,000 miles every year to perform at music festivals, churches, concert halls and even in private homes.

“For many years I have referred to him as an anchor to our heritage,” says Executive Director Sarah Craig, in a statement. “So much has changed over the years. But Bill has remained a constant.”

On January 22, Capital Region musicians will perform a tribute to Staines at the venue. It will be streamed live for those unable to attend in person.

“Crossing the Water: A Tribute to Bill Staines” will take place on the date that would have been Staines’ winter show for 2022. It will be emceed by Christopher Shaw and will feature Staines’ songs, passages from his autobiography, and video clips from his final concert at the venue on Sept. 17, 2021. Selections will be performed by Dan Berggren, Kate McDonnell, Vivian Nesbitt and John Dillon, Wanda Fischer, Kevin McKrell and Arlin Greene, Jonny and Annie Rosen, and John Kirk and Trish Miller.

In-person attendees must present proof of vaccination and masks are required. For those unable to attend in-person, a free live stream will be available on Caffe Lena’s YouTube channel. Tickets and streaming information is available at www.caffelena.org