Bob Dylan Birthday Bash at Caffe Lena

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, May 24, Caffè Lena will celebrate the 85th birthday of Bob Dylan with a special evening of live music that honors one of the world’s most influential songwriters.

In 1961, a young Bob Dylan performed for three nights at Caffe Lena, becoming its most famous alum. Photographs of Dylan still hang inside the venue.

Hosted by Michael Eck, the Dylan concert will bring together a diverse lineup of Capital Region artists, each offering their own take on Dylan’s work. Eck, a Caffè Lena board member, is staging the show as a benefit for the venue.

The evening will feature:

• Julia Alsarraf, a rising voice in the indie and alternative scene, known for her emotionally direct songwriting and distinctive vocal style.

• The BlueBillies, a Capital Region bluegrass group rooted in traditional sounds, bringing tight harmonies and driving acoustic energy.

• Buggy Jive, a genre-blending musician with strong songwriting and lyrics heavily influenced by literature.

• Girl Blue (Arielle O’Keefe), an award-winning singer-songwriter whose deeply personal songs and powerful voice have earned national attention.

• Chuck Lamb, acclaimed jazz pianist and longtime host of Caffè Lena’s Jazz Series, known for his expressive playing and wide-ranging musical collaborations.

• Kate McDonnell, a seasoned songwriter and performer whose work blends folk, jazz, and pop influences with sharp lyrical insight.

Together, these artists will explore Dylan’s expansive catalog, from early folk songs to later-era compositions, offering new interpretations shaped by their own musical perspectives.