Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz
2026-08-03 18:00 - 21:30, 2026-08-10 18:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Bushnell Park, 1 Jewell Street, Hartford, CT, 06103
Presented by The Hartford Jazz Society, the 59th Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series will be held in Bushnell Park for six consecutive Monday evenings beginning Monday, July 6 and concluding on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The series, honoring the late, great bassist and series founder, Paul Brown, is referenced in the Library of Congress as the “Oldest, free, continuously-run jazz festival in the United States.” Each year the Hartford Jazz Society presents a diverse program featuring musicians exhibiting the highest artistic excellence, many of whom are new to the Greater Hartford audience.
Each concert opens at 6PM, featuring a local musician or ensemble followed at 7:30PM by a headliner of regional, national, or international prominence. The Series includes the celebrations of Latin jazz, women in jazz, jazz for social justice and one or more “venerated elder” jazz artists.
All concerts are free and will be held at the Thomas D. Harris IV Pavilion at Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut. In case of rain, the concerts will be held at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Ave, Hartford. All concerts will be broadcast live on WWUH radio at 91.3FM or WWUH.org. Rain date information is posted by noon on the day of the concert at www.hartfordjazzsociety.com.

Date
July 6 – Aug. 10 (6:00 – 9:30 pm)
Opening Act (6:00 pm), Headliner (7:30 pm)

July 6
Opening Night and Venerated Elder Ed Cherry
O: Thread City Jazz Trio
H: Ed Cherry Organ Quartet

July 13
Celebrating Women in Jazz 1
O: Jen Allen and the ONE Project
H: Endea Owens and the Cookout

July 20
Jazz and Social Justice Night
O: Earl MacDonald’s Black Square Ensemble
H: The Kojo Roney Experience

July 27
Latin Jazz Night
O: Emmanuel Rivera Latin Jazz Quintet
H: Donald Vega Latin Jazz Quartet

August 3
Celebrating Women in Jazz 2
O: Nairobi Mouning Trio & Friends ​
H: The Ethel Lee Ensemble

August 10
Contemporary/Smooth Jazz
O: Doug Jones
H: Ronald Lashley & Oneiki – Notes of Fusion

Tuxedo Junction
2026-08-03 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-08-10 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.

Hartford Jazz Orchestra
2026-08-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-08-10 19:30 - 21:30 | Elicit Brewery, 165 Adams Street, Manchester, CT
Every Monday at Elicit Brewery in Manchester CT. No cover.

Grace Kelly
2026-08-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT
Grace Kelly, an unequivocal musical prodigy, singer-saxophonist-songwriter-composer, and band leader, has rocked the jazz world with sold-out concerts, 15 acclaimed albums, and a resume that includes performing at the Hollywood Bowl as well as a member of the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert – all before reaching her mid-twenties. In 2022, she became the youngest member of Berklee College of Music’s Board of Trustees.
Grace’s early career highlights featured performances at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration at age 16 and at age 14 as a soloist with the Boston Pops playing an original, arranged composition with the legendary orchestra. Since then, she has played over 1,000 shows as a bandleader in 35 countries at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Moscow Symphony Hall, and international jazz festivals. Touted for her scorching saxophone stylings and purring vocals, Grace has performed and recorded with renowned artists including Lin Manuel-Miranda, Dave Brubeck, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Huey Lewis, Harry Connick Jr., Jon Batiste, Gloria Estefan, Questlove, and Wynton Marsalis.
Grace won “Song of the Year” for her single, “Feels Like Home” in the 2018 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and has been named nine times consecutively in the Annual Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll “Rising Star Alto Saxophone” from the age of 17 and winning the poll in 2017 and winning the Critics Poll in 2023 for “Rising Star Baritone Saxophone. She has also won multiple ASCAP Composer Awards, Boston Music Awards, and International Songwriting Awards. Grace has appeared as a featured performer, as herself, in films and television, including acclaimed documentary Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story, Amazon’s Emmy-nominated original series Bosch, and the 2017 Emmy-winning Yamaha production The Right Note.
Featured by Vanity Fair as a millennial shaking up the jazz world, Grace’s state-of-the-art brand of electro jazz-pop and inventive digital content reaching millions of fans across her socials. Grace has been seen in national campaigns for M&M and Subaru.
Grace’s latest release, “At The Movies: Grace Kelly with Strings,” with her fifteen piece large ensemble was inspired by “Charlie Parker with Strings” – one of Grace’s all-time favorite albums as well as her love of classic and contemporary movies. In this album, she reimagines some of her favorite movie music (Disney Medley, Back To The Future, High Society, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mission Impossible) as well as songs by legendary film composers (John Williams, Ennio Morricone) and contemporary artists like Billie Eilish’s “No Time To Die” with fresh arrangements encompassing her signature sound. In preparation for this album, she played sold-out shows in Orange County, CA, Rockport, MA, and Clinton, CT showcasing her abilities in playing and singing with a large orchestra.
In Grace’s 2022 album, “All That I Need,” she draws inspiration from Maya Angelou’s empowering words, particularly for the anthem “We Will Rise,” which stands as a tribute to global women’s resilience. Reflecting on the challenges of the pandemic, Grace’s music embodies courage and optimism, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her commitment to advocacy is evident in her collaboration with grassroots non-profit organization, She’s the First, emphasizing the importance of amplifying female voices and defending women’s rights through her music.
Given Grace’s experience on the stage, she is a masterful clinician specializing in jazz improvisation and stage performance. She has taught thousands of students to become more confident performers and saxophone players both online and in person. She is the co-founder of Saxy School with Leo P (of Too Many Zooz), an innovative online saxophone school for beginners and seasoned players alike. She has held a guest teaching residency at The Berklee College of Music and spearheaded the establishment of the Fred Taylor Endowed Scholarship Fund by organizing, emceeing, and performing in the All-Star Benefit Concert in 2017 which raised over $70,000 for the fund.

Michael Palin's Other Orchestra
2026-08-04 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-11 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/

Black Eyed Sally’s Jazz Jam - Le'Andra McPhatter
2026-08-05 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

Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio
2026-08-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Great River Golf Club, 130 Corman Ln, Milford, CT
This is a free event, but registration is required due to room capacity.

Thursday Jazz at Underwater Kite
2026-08-06 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-08-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Underwater Kite, 150 Broad Street, Windsor, CT
Tickets $20 in advance online / $25 at the door
August 6 – Nat Reeves
August 13 – Joe Carter (Jazz Guitar) and Laura Volpintesta (Vocals and Percussion), known as Balanco em Dois, celebrate the music of Brazil
August 20 – Saskia Laroo and Warren Byrd

Deanna Casey / Jeremy Galloway Duo
2026-08-06 18:30 - 20:30 | 2nd Home Restaurant/Lounge, 524 Main Street, Winsted, CT
Deanna has been performing for over 20 years, performing all over the East Coast, including Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. She has recorded in Nashville, Tennessee as well as performed on Nickelodeon’s musical television series in Hollywood. With over 10 years of professional experience, Jeremy Galloway has established himself as a versatile guitarist and dedicated music educator in the Connecticut music scene. Jeremy holds degrees from the prestigious University of Hartford, where he honed his craft across multiple genres including funk, jazz, rock, R&B, and blues. His comprehensive musical education and diverse performance background enable him to connect with audiences of all levels.
There is no cover charge, and we do encourage reservations, which can be made by calling or emailing us (860-238-4500, momanddad@2ndhomelounge.com).

Side Door Jam Session: Avery Wyman Quintet feat. Steve Davis
2026-08-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
The Side Door hosts its first jam session of the summer, led by the Avery Wyman Quintet featuring trombonist Steve Davis

Avery Wyman – Drums
Steve Davis – Trombone
Anthony Bolden – Tenor Sax
Zaccai Curtis – Piano
Gavin Gray – Bass
The evening opens with a full 60-minute set from the Avery Wyman Quintet, a hard-swinging group rooted in the bebop and post-bop tradition and led by drummer, percussionist, and bandleader Avery Wyman. A graduate of NYU Steinhardt’s Jazz Studies program, Wyman has performed alongside Delfeayo Marsalis, Ron McClure, Ricky Ford, Michael Rodriguez, Nat Reeves, and Shayna Steele, among many others. Joining him is the incomparable Steve Davis, one of the most celebrated trombonists in jazz today, a longtime member of the Jackie McLean Quartet, and a collaborator of Art Blakey, Chick Corea, and Freddie Hubbard, among many others.
Following the opening set, the stage opens for an all-comers jam session until 10PM. This is a ticketed event open to everyone, whether you’re a musician looking to sit in or simply a music lover who wants to enjoy a spontaneous, electric evening of jazz in an intimate setting. The audience is very much part of the experience, there is no better way to witness the living, breathing tradition of jazz than watching musicians come together in real time.
Doors at 7PM. Opening set at 7:30PM. Jam session follows at 8:30PM.
The Side Door Jazz Club is a dedicated jazz listening room located inside the historic Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT. Tickets are reserved seating. Guests dining at the Old Lyme Inn prior to the show receive 10% off their dinner bill.

Fridays with Frank
2026-08-07 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.

Jazz at Three Sheets
2026-08-07 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.

Bill Groth Quartet
2026-08-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Rocks 21, 3 Williams Avenue, Mystic

Adam Anderson Quartet
2026-08-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Adam Anderson’s quartet, featuring trombonist and vocalist Naomi Wharry, brings a night of swinging jazz to The Side Door

Adam Anderson – Bass
Naomi Wharry – Trombone/Vocals
Sam Mayer – Piano
Russ Algera – Drums
Adam Anderson is an eastern Connecticut native. Playing music since a young age, he recalls hearing his father playing chords on the living room piano and following that inspiration. Starting on alto saxophone at age eight he subsequently followed the study of music across many instruments. Landing on his love of bass in his early 20s, he has asserted this love as his principal instrument. Playing as both a band leader and accompanist with many musicians across CT, he has helped reinforce a communal goal for building a strong local culture around live musical performance.

Benito Gonzalez Trio w/ Buster Williams & Lenny White
2026-08-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
A trio of jazz titans comes to The Side Door, two-time Grammy nominee Benito Gonzalez joined by legends Buster Williams and Lenny White.

Benito Gonzalez – Piano
Buster Williams – Bass
Lenny White – Drums
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Benito Gonzalez grew up immersed in traditional Venezuelan folk music before discovering jazz through the playing of Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, and Keith Jarrett, an early inspiration that shaped his powerful, Afro-Latin-infused approach to the piano. Gonzalez made his way to the United States by a serendipitous route, an American cultural ambassador caught one of his trio gigs and later invited him to Washington, D.C. He went on to play with Jackie McLean in 2003, then spent nearly seven years touring with Kenny Garrett’s quartet, earning two Grammy nominations for the recordings Seeds from the Underground and Pushing the World Away. In 2019 he joined NEA Jazz Master and Coltrane protégé Pharoah Sanders as pianist and musical director. A 2005 winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition and a Steinway artist since 2020, Gonzalez has shared the stage with Dave Liebman, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton, Al Foster, and many others.
Joining him are two of the most legendary rhythm section players in jazz history. Bassist Buster Williams has anchored some of the most important recordings and bands of the past six decades, from Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis to McCoy Tyner and Ron Carter, and remains one of the most revered bassists in the music. Drummer Lenny White, a member of the original lineup of Return to Forever and a Grammy-winning legend in his own right, brings a depth of groove and history matched by few. Together, this trio represents three generations of jazz mastery converging in one room.
The Side Door Jazz Club is a dedicated jazz listening room located inside the historic Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT. Tickets are reserved seating. Guests dining at the Old Lyme Inn prior to the show receive 10% off their dinner bill

Jazz Jam at Cafe Nine
2026-08-08 16:00 - 19:00 | CT
Every Saturday, 4-7

Bob Ahern Quartet
2026-08-08 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.

Blue Lion Trio
2026-08-08 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

Haneef Nelson / Nigel Regan / Ben Bilello / Jeff Fuller / Darren Litzie
2026-08-09 16:00 - 17:00 | The Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Rd, Hamden, CT
Haneef Nelson (trumpet), Nigel Regan (sax), Ben Bilello (drums), Jeff Fuller (bass), Darren Litzie (piano)

Jazz at Cafe Nine
2026-08-11 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.

Allen Lowe & The All-Stars
2026-08-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Best Video Film and Cultural Center, 1842 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT

Sherry Winston Band
2026-08-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Calf Pasture Beach, Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT
$30 parking

Black Eyed Sally’s Jazz Jam - Peyton Edwards
2026-08-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Black-eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, 350 Asylum St., Hartford, CT, 06103

Jeff Brock Trio
2026-08-13 17:00 - 23:00 | Yale Schwarzman Center, 168 Grove Street, New Haven, CT
Summer @ The Well is a summer social series presented at The Well, the pub located on the lower level of Yale Schwarzman Center, featuring live music and opportunities for social gathering. For this installment, Yale Schwarzman Center will present the Jeff Brock Trio.
Yale Professor Jeff Brock is an accomplished jazz musician, and will perform with his trio for our last Summer @ The Well before the start of the new academic year. Brock is Dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science and the William S. Massey Professor of Mathematics and Professor of Statistics & Data Science.

Frank Gordon Trio
2026-08-13 18:30 - 20:30 | 2nd Home Restaurant/Lounge, 524 Main Street, Winsted, CT
The Trio features Frank Gordon on bass, Jerrod Cattey on drums and Sean Simmons on guitar. They play a mix of jazz standards as well as original compositions. This really is a special trio who have been playing here for years, and make every performance special.
There is no cover charge, and we do encourage reservations, which can be made by calling or emailing us (1-860-238-4500, momanddad@2ndhomelounge.com).
