Hartford Jazz Society

Instantiations Monthly Music Series at Real Art Ways
2026-05-03 14:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor St, Hartford, CT
Instantiations, formerly known as Improvisations Now, is a monthly series of concerts conceived and programmed by Joe Morris (guitarist, bassist, improviser, composer-wearer of many hats). Joe invites dynamic, innovative musicians – important members of the global improvised music scene – and performs with them. The music is completely improvised. Every concert, every instance is a unique experience. Season finale.
Selendis Sebastian Alexander Johnson, a versatile multi-instrumentalist whose career is defined by an intuitive, self-taught mastery of diverse sounds, currently centers her work on the vibraphone and trombone, although her musical journey spans the clarinet, flute, saxophone, and bass guitar. She will be playing the vibraphone in this trio.
Lemuel Marc is a composer and trumpet player from Boston who improvises regularly throughout New England with Evan Palmer, Yoona Kim, Brittany Karlson, Michael Larocca, and the Hivemind Brass Quintet. Lemuel’s debut solo album, “Replace the Population,” was released last year on Relative Pitch Records.
Guitarist, bassist, improviser, composer, and educator Joe Morris curates this monthly series and invites improvisers (many based in New England, some from all over the country) for an afternoon of deep listening, experimentation, and intentional communication. Morris will play bass in this final installment of the season.
General Admission $15 / Members $12 / Students $8
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Dr. G’s Jazz Brunch
2026-05-03 12:00 - 15:00 | Quattro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, 14 Water Street, Guilford, CT
Dr. G’s Jazz Brunch held on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays from 12pm (noon) until 3pm at Quattro’s Italian Restaurant:

All events will also include jazz masters Jeff Fuller on bass and Barry Ries on drums &/or trumpet. “Dr. G” will provide guitar accompaniment.

Ralph Alessi Quartet
2026-05-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Community Music School of Springfield, 127 State St., Springfield, MA
Ralph Alessi (trumpet), Matt Mitchell (piano), John Hébert (bass), Ches Smith (drums)
Ralph Alessi is an ECM recording artist and acclaimed American jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator known for his distinctive and innovative approach to jazz improvisation and composition. Born in San Rafael, California, in 1963, he was raised in a musical family. His father, Joseph Alessi, was a classical trumpeter and his mother, Maria Leone, an opera singer. In addition, his brother Joe Alessi is a world renowned classical trombonist. His upbringing in this environment laid the foundation for his deep connection to music.
He studied at the California Institute of the Arts, where he pursued both classical and jazz music, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (and master’s degree in jazz bass). Alessi’s versatility in different musical traditions has contributed to his unique sound, blending classical precision with avant-garde jazz.
Alessi relocated to New York City in 1991, and since then has collaborated with many prominent musicians, such as Steve Coleman, Ravi Coltrane, Jason Moran, Don Byron, Fred Hersch and Uri Caine. His own ensembles and recordings showcase his skill as both a bandleader and a composer, with 13 albums as a leader. This include Baida (2013), released on ECM Records, receiving widespread acclaim for its complex, lyrical compositions and improvisations. Baida was shortlisted by several publications as one of the best jazz albums of the year. His latest ECM release in 2024 was It’s Always Now which writer Jim Macnie proclaimed as having a “poignant lyricism.” In 2025, he will record and release his 5th album on ECM records featuring Matt Mitchell, John Hebert, Ches Smith and his brother Joe, appearing together on record for the first time.
In addition to his performance career, Alessi is also a committed educator. He has been on the faculty at institutions such as the Eastman School of Music and the New England Conservatory, and currently the founder and director of the School for Improvisational Music in Brooklyn, New York as well as on faculty at the Hochschule der Künste Bern in Switzerland. His teaching emphasizes creative exploration and improvisation, influencing a new generation of jazz musicians.

Emmet Cohen Trio
2026-05-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Veronica Hagman Concert Hall – WCSU, 43 Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury, CT
Creator of Live from Emmet’s Place, the most-viewed online jazz show in the world, and winner of the American Jazz Pianist Competition, Emmet Cohen has gained a reputation for connecting with audiences through his artistry and commitment to intergenerational exchange.
Free tickets for WCSU Students are available at the VPAC box office located in the VPAC lobby – a valid WCSU ID is required at the time of purchase**
NOTE: Advance ticket purchases made online are $20 plus fees; Tickets purchased at the door are $30.

Blue Lion Trio
2026-05-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Open Door Tea, 3552 Main Street, Stratford, CT
Every Saturday
Host & drummer Richard Sylvester has launched a remarkable jazz series (every Saturday!) at this cozy venue

Bob Ahern Quartet
2026-05-02 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Lighthouse Inn, 6 Guthrie Pl, New London, CT
The Bob Ahern Quartet will be performing the last Saturday of each month at the legendary Lighthouse Inn from 6-9. The group features Lisa Marien on vocals and Bob Ahern on drums along with various Jazz artists each month.

Jazz Jam at Cafe Nine
2026-05-02 16:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-25 16:00 - 19:00 | CT
Every Saturday, 4-7

Firehouse 12 Spring Jazz Series
2026-05-01 20:30 - 23:30, 2026-04-24 20:30 - 23:30 | Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street, New Haven, CT
Performances are on Friday nights at 8:30pm and 10:00pm. Tickets for each performance can be purchased individually, with prices at $20 for our early shows and $15 for our late shows. Our Season Pass is available for $225, which provides 1 ticket to all sets of the 13 performances.
The complete season calendar can be viewed here.
March 20: GEORGE
March 27: Dave Fiuczynski’s KiF
April 3: Sun of Goldfinger
April 10: Amanda Monaco’s Deathblow
April 17: Caroline Davis, Solo
April 24: David Berkman Quartet
May 1: Mary Halvorson: Canis Major
May 8: Anna Badkhen Dezron Douglas Duo
May 15: Jerome Sabbagh Quartet
May 22: Allison, Cardenas & Nash
May 29: Marta Sanchez (Solo Piano)
June 5: Max Johnson Sextet
June 12: Curtis Hasselbring’s The Curhachestra
All 13 shows are on sale now at firehouse12.com. Tickets are $20 for the 8:30pm performance and $15 for 10:00pm. The complete Season Pass is $225. All tickets can be purchased online or, subject to availability, at the box office on the night of the show.

Jazz at Three Sheets
2026-05-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Three Sheets, 372 Elm Street, New Haven, CT
New England Jazz Underground presents jazz on the 1st and 3rd Friday every month.

Fridays with Frank
2026-05-01 17:15 - 19:00 | Institute Library, 847 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT
Join renowned jazz historian and Jazz Haven Board member Frank Cochran for BYOB “Fridays with Frank.” Happy Hour jazz listening sessions are held every Friday from 5:15 to 7:00 pm at the Institute Library in downtown New Haven. Each Friday Frank selects iconic jazz LPs to play from the Library’s extensive collection. Discussion follows. BYOB and please give a modest donation towards the IL’s spiraling utilities. A $5.00 contribution is welcome.

Sherry Winston & Band
2026-04-30 17:30 - 20:00 | Hope Center for the Arts, 150 Bridge Street, Springfioeld, MA

Black Eyed Sally’s Jazz Jam - Mentorship XI: Will Gorman featuring Rony Kee
2026-04-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Black-eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, 350 Asylum St., Hartford, CT, 06103
Located in downtown Hartford, for the aficionado, musician, or the curious first-timer, Black Eyed Sally’s Jazz Jams are the best taste of live jazz in Hartford. Set in the southern juke joint atmosphere of Black-eyed Sally’s, these jam sessions will strike a chord as you hear what our local talent has to offer, with regular special appearances by big city jazz names. Experience the cool original music of the jam session while you enjoy the hot fierce cookin’ of Hartford’s favorite BBQ joint.
After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, regularly scheduled jazz jams have returned to Black Eyed Sally’s every Wednesday. There will be a featured jazz ensemble followed by an open jam session. Bring your axe and be ready to jam!
The music begins at 7:00 PM, jam session begins after 1st set. No cover charge most nights, under 21’s welcome.
Presented by the Hartford Jazz Society and Neefjazz Entertainment

Michael Palin's Other Orchestra
2026-04-28 20:00 - 22:00 | The Hungry Tiger, 120 Charter Oak Street, Manchester, CT
It’s a funky Big Band thang, a large jazz ensemble that rocks the house. Playing music from Tower of Power, Frank Zappa, The Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorious, Steely Dan, The Yellow Jackets, Bob Berg…..You’ll want to see them again and again!
https://www.facebook.com/OtherOrchestra/

Jazz at Cafe Nine
2026-04-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Cafe Nine, 250 State Street, New Haven, CT, 06510
Presented by New Haven Jazz Underground on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday every month.

NHIC music open workshop
2026-04-27 19:30 - 21:30 | The Sandbox, 70 Audubon Street, New Haven, CT
The workshop will be run by Mike Brooks and Paul McGuire.
Notes and directions about The Sandbox.
It’s a great space, but has it’s challenges. Its on the second floor (with elevator).
Door is locked so everyone will need to be let in, Someone will check periodically.
Parking is as follows There is a paid garage right at the building (see rates below), otherwise street parking, mostly metered. Similar costs. There is some free parking on Lincoln st, and a pathway at the end so you can walk directly to the building.

Hartford Jazz Orchestra
2026-04-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Elicit Brewery, 165 Adams Street, Manchester, CT
Every Monday at Elicit Brewery in Manchester CT. No cover.

Tuxedo Junction
2026-04-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Guilford VFW Post 9666, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT
For over 24 years, hosting public rehearsals every Monday night, now at Guilford VFW Post 7666.
Tuxedo Junction was started in 1989 by Pete Jacobs (trumpet) and Will Tayler (drums), WWII veterans who set up an 8-piece Dixieland jazz band in the basement of the senior citizens center in Madison, CT. Pat soon joined on piano.
The band quickly grew into a full swing band as Pete added big band arrangements and people joined: everyone from high school students to retired music teachers started to fill out the sections. Tuxedo Junction moved its practice home to the Westbrook Elks briefly, and in 1997 Paul James suggested that Bill’s Seafood restaurant in Westbrook would be a great place to share the sounds of swing. After more than 20 years of Monday nights at Bill’s, originally outnumbering the customers and staff before turning it into the most happening place on the Shoreline for a Monday night, we moved outside to Town Greens, Overlook Farm in Killingworth, and the Guilford VFW.
Tuxedo Junction plays original big band arrangements from the 30’s through the present, including charts from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Sy Zentner, Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. We focus on danceable tunes from swing to waltz, foxtrot to two-step, Latin and even some rock. The band has weekly open rehearsals at local venues on the Eastern Connecticut shoreline. The public is invited to dance and listen in at no charge. We are also available for hire at public and private events throughout Connecticut.
After more than 1,001 performances, Tuxedo Junction has become a musical success story. We are now eighteen passionate musicians, men and women of all ages, following the great jazz tradition and warmly welcoming visiting jazz musicians to sit in.

Baby Grand Jazz at Hartford Public Library
2026-04-26 13:15 - 16:00 | Center for Contemporary Culture (Main Floor) – Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Concerts will be held at HPL’s Downtown Library on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. from January through April, excluding Easter Sunday on April 5. Performances will take place in the Center for Contemporary Culture, 500 Main Street, Hartford. Doors open at 2:00 p.m., and each concert lasts about an hour. Concerts will be streamed on HPL’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and Hartford Public Access TV.
2026 Lineup

January 4 – Iftah Kary Trio
January 11 – Lee Fish & Friends
January 18 – Koan
January 25 – Digba Ogunbiyi Quartet

February 1 – Matt Parker
February 8 – Meg Okura & The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble
February 15 – Jen Allen and Heart Alchemy
February 22 – Jamile Trio

March 1 – The Hartford Sound
March 8 – Nigel Bello Band
March 15 – Laszlo Gardony Trio
March 22 – Rodney Jones
March 29 – Ben Bilello Quartet
April 5 – No concert
April 12 – Japanese MicroJam
April 19 – Digba Ogunbiyi Quartet + Tyler Sherman and Friends
April 26 – Jamile Trio + Rene McLean: Music of the Spirit

Diego Figueiredo Trio
2026-04-25 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Join us for a special night of jazz with Guitarist Diego Figueiredo and his Trio!
GRAMMY NOMINATED GUITAR PLAYER
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Diego Figueiredo is a new star of the guitar world. He is only 39, and he has release 26 Cds, 3 DVDs, and he has playing in more than 60 contries around the world. He is winner of several important competitions like Montreux Jazz Competition, and some others. Diego is presenting now his concert “ From the Classical to the Jazz”. It is a fusion between Jazz, Bossa nova and Classical music. Diego has an unique interpretation, with a lot of technique, much emotion, and his show has been a great sucsses about to the audience.
Diego Figueiredo was born in Franca, Brazil, in 1980, and at the age of 4, he used to strike poses carrying his small guitar. At six, he got a mandolin, which was kept in a very special place in his house. Diego played many instruments before choosing the electric guitar when he was twelve, playing in theaters and local pubs, revealing the great art of improvising and harmonizing. At 15, he conquered theaters and nightclubs in many different Brazilian states, playing solo or with renowned musicians.
Besides being a guitar player, Diego is a producer, arranger, orchestrator, and multi-instrumentalist.
Brazil continuously fosters new stars that impress and amaze their audiences with their joy and exceptional technique. Diego Figueiredo makes new fans everytime he enters the stage, and very few others play the guitar as expressively as he does.
Having received awards twice at the “MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL” as one of the greatest guitarists in the world, Diego Figueiredo performs one amazing concert uniting technique and emotion in a fusion of Brazilian music and jazz. Diego Figueiredo presents the most requested show of Brazilian music.
With a variety of work already released, Diego is doing shows on the most important stages around the world enchanting and charming the public wherever he goes with his unique touch.
Diego has collaborated and performed with names like Gilberto Gil, João Bosco, Roberto Menescal, Toquinho, Janis Siegel, Stanley Jordan, Joao Donato, Larry Coryell, Ken Peplowski, Lewis Nash, John Clayton, Cyrille Aimée, Jeff Hamilton, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Bill Cunliffe, Dick Hyman and many others.
Acclaimed by the critics as the newest sensation in the guitar world !
“Diego Figueiredo is one of the greatest guitarists I’ve seen in my whole life. The world needs to listen to his music”. (George Benson)
“Diego Figueiredo is the new Baden Powell” (Jazzlive – Denmark)
“I have seem and played with many wonderful guitar players like Joe Pass or Baden Powell, but no one is like Diego. His ability and swing are unique”. (Flora Purim)
He has performed in great places like Montreux Jazz Festival, Hong Kong Jazz Festival, Rio das Ostras Jazz Festival ( Brazil) , Oakville Jazz Festival ( Canada), La Paz Festijazz, Jarasum Jazz Festival (Korea), Copenhage Jazz Festival, Douro Jazz (Portugal), Vail Jazz Party, Syracuse Jazz Festival, Aspen Jazz Series, Dizzy´s Club NY, Birdland NY, Joe´s Pub NY, Jazz Alley, Guanabara ( London), Harlem Jazz Festival ( Netherlands), Jazz Port Townsend, Django Fest, Zoellner Arts Center, Centre Stage Reston, Bourbon Street (Brazil), Onda Jazz, Jazzhus Montmartre (Copenhage), Quasimodo ( Berlim), Zhuhai Jazz Festival (China), Vitello´s Jazz, Miami Festival, Jazz on the Platz, Jazz Bali, Guitar Masters ( German) and hundreds more.

Wesleyan Jazz Faculty Concert
2026-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Crowell Concert Hall – Wesleyan University, 283 Washington St, Middletown, CT
These outstanding musicians and teachers from Wesleyan University’s Music Department will perform together in various combinations as the featured artists of the 23rd annual Wesleyan Jazz Orchestra Weekend: Pheeroan akLaff on drums, Noah Baerman on piano, Eric Charry on guitar, Alcee Chriss on piano and organ, Giacomo Gates on vocals, Jay Hoggardon vibraphone, Darius Jones on alto saxophone, Tony Lombardozzi on guitar, and Roy Wiseman on bass.
$12 general public, Wesleyan faculty/staff/alumni; $5 Wesleyan students, non-Wesleyan students, youth under 18

Common Time
2026-04-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Chiropractic & Wellness Center of New Haven, 59 Elm Street, Suite 100, New Haven, CT
The jazz group, Common Time, a stellar band of young jazz phenoms, will perform as part of the Chiropractic & Wellness Center’s Open House which begins at noon. As part of the Open House, the Center will be offering workshops in Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga w/Massage, Sound bath Reiki and Numerology from noon to 4:45 pm. The live jazz performance follows at 5:00 pm and it’s free to the public. For info: 203-909-6173.

Rick Germanson Trio
2026-04-24 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Rick Germanson – Piano
Nat Reeves – Bass
Willie Jones III – Drums
Rick Germanson has been a highly in-demand pianist on the New York City Jazz scene for well over a decade. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rick relocated to New York City in 1998. Rick won the GRAND PRIZE at The American Pianists’ Association Jazz Piano Competition in 1996. He was awarded “Best of New Talent” in 2004 by All About Jazz NYC.
Rick has four recordings out as a leader: The first two are on Fresh Sound New Talent: “HEIGHTS” and “YOU TELL ME”. His recording “OFF THE CUFF” on Owl Studios reached #15 on the Jazz Radio Play Charts. The latest is on SmallsLive “RICK GERMANSON: LIVE AT SMALL’S”. Downbeat and JazzTimes magazines have given Rick’s recordings rave reviews. Rick has also been documented on over forty recordings as a sideman with many of the top musicians in jazz today.
Since 2001 to the present, Rick has been touring and recording with The Cannonball Legacy Band featuring Louis Hayes. From 2003-2008 Rick also toured with master guitarist Pat Martino. Currently, Rick is also the pianist for guitarist Russell Malone, bassist Nat Reeves, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, trombonist Papo Vazquez’s Mighty Pirates Troubadours among many others.
Rick has performed throughout the world, at the top festivals, concert halls and clubs with the following jazz artists: Elvin Jones’ Jazz Machine; Louis Hayes; Jimmy Cobb; Grady Tate; Pat Martino; Russell Malone; Dr. Eddie Henderson; Kyle Eastwood; Tom Harrell; Brian Lynch; Jeremy Pelt; Jim Rotondi; Duane Eubanks; Curtis Fuller; Slide Hampton; Papo Vazquez; Frank Lacy; Steve Davis; Delfeayo Marsalis; Cecil Payne; Charles Davis; Frank Morgan; Charles MacPherson; Donald Harrison; Vincent Herring; Sherman Irby; George Coleman; Javon Jackson; Eric Alexander; Craig Handy; Wayne Escoffrey; Steve Nelson; Marlena Shaw; Kevin Mohagany; Carolyn Leonhart; Regina Carter; Gerald Cannon; Jay Leonhart; Mingus Dynasty; Ray Mantilla and Space Station.
Rick is also an experienced educator, having given clinics and master classes at such institutes as New York University; The Julliard School; Jazz at Lincoln Center. He is currently on faculty at The Jackie McLean Institute at The Hartt School of Music at The University of Hartford.

Wesleyan Jazz Orchestra & Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble
2026-04-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Crowell Concert Hall – Wesleyan University, 283 Washington St, Middletown, CT
The Wesleyan University Jazz Orchestra directed by Professor of Music and African American Studies Jay Hoggard ’76, MA ’91, and the Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble, directed by Noah Baerman, present an exciting evening of classic and contemporary jazz repertoire as the start of the 23rd annual Wesleyan Jazz Orchestra Weekend.
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.
We encourage you to RSVP to help us with our planning and to get a reminder the day before this event. While RSVPs are not required for entry, they are a big help!

Mathew Pearl : Solo
2026-04-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main Street, Middletown, CT, United States
Matthew Pearl is a jazz tenor saxophonist and one of New York City’s rising young musicians. Matt received a Bachelor of Music degree in 2023 from the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz (Hartt School, University of Hartford) in Connecticut. He was awarded a scholarship for his talents in music and academics and studied jazz music, history, culture, and performance while at the university. Matt studied with world renowned saxophonist Abraham Burton and has been mentored by professionals including Rene McLean, Nat Reeves, Javon Jackson, Jonathan Barber, Matt DeChamplain, Steve Davis, Haneef Nelson, Matt Dwonszyk, and Zaccai Curtis.
Originally from Marlborough, Massachusetts, Matt grew up listening to a lot of music, especially jazz. Matt started playing the clarinet at the age of 10 and the tenor saxophone at the age of 12. Throughout high school and college, Matt began gigging and performing all over New England. Some notable venues Matt has performed at include the Newport Jazz Festival, Symphony Hall, and the Side Door Jazz Club.
Recently, Matt has been focusing on performing, especially in New York City. You might typically find him listening or playing at venues anywhere from Hartford to New York, including Black Eyed Sally’s, Cafe Nine, and Smalls.

Instagram – matthewpearlmusic
Facebook – www.facebook.com/matthew.pearl.7
YouTube – www.youtube.com/@matthewpearlmusic

Isabella Mendes
2026-04-24 17:30 - 19:00 | American Mural Project, 90 Whiting Street, Winsted, CT
Singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and educator Isabella Mendes is one of New Haven and Hartford County’s top Brazilian and Jazz entertainers in the industry and has earned an impressive list of accomplishments well beyond her years. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Isabella started to study music at age four and hasn’t stopped since. She has been studying with Grammy Winner pianist Fabio Torres and Emmy Winner vocalist Michal Towber. Isabella is also the founder and owner of IMMusic Studio, a private music school, where she teaches piano and voice. She is an advocate for women and diversity in the arts, and is leading workshops bringing diversity through music in schools and community events.
