Al Di Meola occupies a rare and enduring position in contemporary music as a living legend whose work continues to define the present moment. For more than five decades, he has shaped the language of modern instrumental music through an unmistakable synthesis of jazz, rock, Latin, Mediterranean, and world traditions—marked by rhythmic sophistication, compositional intelligence, [...]

Grammy-winning pianist Kevin Hays comes home to Connecticut for a very special night at The Side Door. Kevin Hays - Piano Rick Rosato - Bass Jimmy Macbride - Drums Raised in Greenwich, CT, Hays began playing professionally in New York while still in high school and has since built one of the most acclaimed careers [...]

Led by internationally acclaimed trumpeter/vocalist Saskia Laroo and US pianist/vocalist Warren Byrd, this dynamic band brings an irresistible mix of original music, infectious rhythms and uplifting improvisation. Expect feel-good vibes, tight grooves and a warm connection with the audience — perfect for a night out with friends, great food and live music. Saskia Laroo – [...]

Winner of the 2024 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition, April May Webb brings Sounds of April & Randall to The Side Door. April May Webb: Vocals Randall Haywood: Trumpet Yayoi Ikawa: Piano Tyler Sherman: Bass Dr. Nathan Webb: Drums Winner of the 2024 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, April May Webb brings her award-winning ensemble [...]

Atla & Matt DeChamplain on vocals and piano, and Ben Bilello on drums, Jeff Fuller on bass.

April, 2026, marks the 33 year anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the early nineties in Ventura, California, the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of over [...]

The Bad Plus has been a band for 26 years. That’s quite a long time! As we enter into year 27 – after a great deal of soul searching and consideration – we have decided to bring this chapter to a close. 2026 will be the final year of The Bad Plus. We share this [...]

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 [...]

Jazz pianist and composer Noah Baerman dedicates an evening to the music of one of his (and jazz music’s) biggest heroes, Wayne Shorter (1933-2023). On this night join Noah and his quartet, featuring Matt Steckler (woodwinds), Amanda Monaco (guitar), Henry Lugo (bass), and Ryan Sands (drums). Noah Baerman is a jazz pianist, composer, educator, and [...]

Jazz pianist and composer Noah Baerman dedicates an evening to the music of one of his (and jazz music’s) biggest heroes, Wayne Shorter (1933-2023). On this night join Noah and his quartet, featuring Matt Steckler (woodwinds), Amanda Monaco (guitar), Henry Lugo (bass), and Ryan Sands (drums). Noah Baerman is a jazz pianist, composer, educator, and [...]

One of the most celebrated saxophonists of his generation brings his quartet to The Side Door for a night of world-class jazz. Jaleel Shaw – Alto/Soprano Saxophone Lawrence Fields – Piano Alex Claffy – Bass Nasheet Waits – Drums Born and raised in Philadelphia, alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw came up on one of America's most [...]

There is no one in jazz quite like Edmar Castañeda — and he's bringing his quartet to The Side Door Edmar Castañeda – Harp Andrea Tierra – Vocals Birsa Chatterjee – Tenor Saxophone Julian Miltenberger – Drums Colombian-born and New York-based, Edmar Castañeda has single-handedly redefined what the harp can do in jazz. Playing bass [...]

Bokani Dyer (piano, vocals), Timothy Norton (bass), Lumanyano Mzi (drums) Bokani Dyer is a multi-award-winning South African pianist, composer, and producer whose work traverses the intersections of jazz, soul, electronic music, and African rhythm. A deeply thoughtful and boundary-pushing artist, Dyer has spent over a decade cultivating a sound that is both deeply rooted in [...]

One of jazz's most celebrated composer-pianists brings his quintet to The Side Door for a rare and intimate performance Guillermo Klein - Piano/Vocals Vinicius Gomes - Guitar Sebastian De Urquiza - Bass Rogerio Boccato - Percussion Rodrigo Recabarren - Drums Born in Buenos Aires and trained at Berklee College of Music, Argentine pianist and composer [...]