We catch up with Mel & Rich of Local 518 band SIRSY during week 11 of quarantine to see how they're holding up.

It's a big weekend! Friday (5/29), the duo make a televised appearance on Fox 26 in Fresno, California at 11am.  Watch HERE

"Medicine for Living" had its origins in a road trip to California. Alexa Rose was driving, and listening to an old Gospel Radio show.  The song came to her.  We learn about how songs come to her, and she plays a few for us, too.

And if you get down to North Carolina, swing by Black Mountain Doughnut Factory.  Check out the doughnuts Alexa and her husband make!

"I love theater.  That's what I do is baseball and theater.  Those are the two things I spend money on.  I get to hear plenty of rock and roll.  I see my friends play at festivals and stuff, but I don't go out to see music much in New York.  I go to see plays and musicals and I go to see the New York Yankees play baseball."  

A self-described anarchist who slept on the Caffe floor while recording an album, and a songwriter whose stories have been used for protest, weddings and funerals.

This is episode 29 of the Caffe Lena: 60 years of Song podcast.  Thank you to Sarah at the Caffe for the list of songs and artists for the feature.

While the music industry wanders around trying to make sense of how to do its "business" during the pandemic, artists like Local 518 Lucas Garrett continue to do their thing - make music.

Lucas reached out as the outbreak was beginning. When we set up our session taping, I don't think either of us thought we'd be doing it this way. Lucas was in his home and I in mine. He recorded a couple acoustic numbers, we did the interview, and voila... 518 At Home Session with Lucas Garrett.

no·net
/nōˈnet/
noun
a group of nine people or things, especially musicians.
a musical composition for nine voices or instruments.

Mike + Ruthy brought back their folk rock band, The Mammals a couple years ago. They've been busy making records and touring. The band has morphed to play various venues from the classic Mike + Ruthy duo to a quintet, quartet, sextet, and apparently for this new album, "Nonet," nine people!

Happy anniversary to Caffe Lena! 60 years! Wow!

Executive Director, Sarah Craig and I talked about the plans to celebrate - even while we're social distancing and in the midst of a pandemic. Bands. Flatbed trailers. Trucks. Music. It's a parade! Plus, we discuss the importance of the Caffe and how essential they are to our health and that of the Local 518 music scene.

May 21st

12n-1p Parade through Saratoga