Connecticut Office of the Arts announces grants available for Connecticut artists impacted by pandemic ** MAY 4 DEADLINE TO APPLY ** Recognizing that artists provide inspiration, connection, and education, particularly at times when the creative sector is needed most, the Connecticut Office of the Arts – a state office housed within the Department of Economic [...]
Due to concerns over the coronavirus, Hartford Public Library has suspended all large scale events until further notice. Therefore Jazz 201 has been postponed. Check back for information as it becomes available. JAZZ 201 Jazz Appreciation Workshop with Ben Young Hartford Public Library 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT Room: Center for Contemporary Culture [...]
The world first learned of the incredible vocal artistry of Cécile McLorin Salvant when she won the prestigious 2010 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. In just under the span of a decade she has evolved into a multi-GRAMMY® Award-winner and a prescient and fearless voice in music today. The sound of Salvant’s voice recalls the [...]
by Ken Laster Click to enlarge The 52nd consecutive year of Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz wrapped up with some adventurous free jazz from the OGJB Quartet. The avant garde sounds emanating from the pavillion came from the venerable masters Lake, Haynes, Fonda and Altschul. They thrilled thousands in attendance for this finale [...]
The Hartford Jazz Society and Hartford Public Library are partnering to present Jazz 101, an introduction to Jazz music and the sounds, history and culture surrounding it. The course is 8 two-hour classes presented once a week . No tests, no papers, no homework, no pressure, no question is too basic! THIS WORKSHOP [...]
Matt Chasen is an important figure in Hartford's Jazz community. As a musician, educator and historian of this art-form, Matt has recently been documenting many of the important concerts and activities of our jazz scene. Here, he pays tribute to one of Hartford's continuing and endearing jazz traditions. Black Eyed Sally's 350 Asylum Street, [...]
Most of us hard-core jazz fans are familiar with the ever changing club and concert scene in the Greater Hartford area. However, East of the river often goes unnoticed. One of those venues that deserves greater attention, and has been hosting some great shows for the last four years is The Packing House. Their non-profit [...]
The Sara Hanahan Quintet opened up the finale concert of the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series of 2018. Recorded August 13 from the WWUH radio simulcast on a rainy evening. Harvey Jassem and Ken Laster provide the on-air commentary and post concert interview. Sarah Hanahan Quintet: Sarah Hanahan - Alto Sax Nat Reeves - [...]
by Ken Laster photos by Maurice D. Robertson Make no mistake, there were clouds (and heavy rain) the evening of the 2018 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz (PBMNJ) finale concert. But as I learned as a child, for every cloud there is a silver lining. That "Silver Lining" prevailed the evening of August 13 in [...]
by Ken Laster - WWUH I had the opportunity to speak with pianist Helen Sung following her set at the Newport Jazz Festival. We spoke about her performance (a Tap/Piano duet), her classical influences and an upcoming performance at Hartford Jazz Society's Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series. All this in less than 3 1/2 [...]