Joe Simone

Feb. 25, 2002

As a Saratogian, I was thrilled visiting your site. Boy, did reading your site over bring back some strong memories of Lena and that Caffè. I met Lena in 1961 and was one of the most obvious and frequent guests there. I brought everyone. As a matter of fact, I used to sit down with Dave Van Ronk, God rest his soul, at Mother Goldsmith's and have Bushmill's Irish Whiskey. Got me drinking it too.
     First heard him sing the Alabama song and of course "Clouds." I remember getting Lena to partner with me to help me to open the Great Saratoga Music Hall where Arlo played opening night, Don Mclean, the Balfa Frères, Utah Phillips, Rosalie Sorrels, David Amram, Tom Paxton, John Hartford and on and on. What an experience. As a a matter of fact Christine Lavin sold cookies at the Hall.
     I went to New York many times with Lena, waking Amram up in his apartment and going to the village to see Van Ronk at one of the many clubs.
     I am fortunate for the experience and sorry that Lena can't physically be here to see what you all have done to carry on her great legacy.

Joe Simone, Founder of
Saratoga Food Group, LLC
8605 Cameron St., Suite 514,
Silver Spring, MD, 20910
Tel (301) 585-4870 Fax (301) 585-5513
www.saratogafoodgroup.com