Hartford Jazz Society

HJS - Celebrate the Holidays Fundraiser
2025-12-06 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Artists Collective, 1200 Albany Avenue, Hartford, CT
The Hartford Jazz Society invites you to an unforgettable evening of jazz, community, and celebration at their 2nd “Celebrating Jazz & Community” event on Saturday, December 6th, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This exciting event will be held at the Artists Collective Ballroom, located at 1200 Albany Avenue in Hartford.
Immerse yourself in the captivating performance of Linda Ransom and Friends, who will fill the air with classic jazz tunes and beloved favorites. This is a unique opportunity to experience exceptional live music in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Please join us as we honor percussionist Abu Alvin Carter with the Hartford Jazz Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to the phenomenal music, attendees can participate in a raffle with exciting prizes, including:

Gift baskets
Jazz photos by Maurice Robertson
Backstage passes to the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series
And much more!

Indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres prepared by East West Grill and enjoy the convenience of a cash bar throughout the evening. Ample parking is available.
Get your tickets early – purchase by November 6th for a discounted rate.

$40 HJS member
$50 Non-Member
$75 Includes ticket and HJS Membership

After November 6th

$50 Hartford Jazz Society Members
$60 Non-Members
$75 Includes ticket and HJS Membership
Tickets can be purchased at the door

Buy Tickets on Eventbrite
Proceeds from this event will directly support the 2026 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series and the Hartford Jazz Society’s Scholarship Fund, which helps nurture the next generation of jazz musicians.
Don’t miss this unforgettable community celebration of Jazz!
About the Hartford Jazz Society: The Hartford Jazz Society is dedicated to cultivating an appreciation for jazz music, culture, and history. Founded in 1960, it is the longest continuously operating jazz society in the country. Through live events, educational programs, and community outreach, the Hartford Jazz Society enriches the Greater Hartford community and preserves the spirit of jazz.

Papo Vásquez and his Mighty Pirate Troubadours
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Black-eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, 350 Asylum St., Hartford, CT, 06103
Real Art Ways welcomes trombonist, composer and arranger Papo Vázquez back to Hartford for our annual concert and holiday parranda. Bring an instrument and get in free! Otherwise, general admission is $10.
Please note, the venue for this event will be Black Eyed Sally’s at 350 Asylum Street in Hartford.
Parranda de aguinaldo (Christmas folk music), is an Afro-Indigenous musical form played during the holidays in various Caribbean and Latin American countries including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Trinidad, and the coastal area of the states Aragua and Carabobo in Venezuela.
Papo Vázquez is a trombonist, composer, and arranger with over 40 years of a career spanning Jazz, Latin, and Afro-Caribbean music. Papo is a National Endowment for the Arts Master Artist and Grammy Nominee and was featured in the 2020 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll.
•Musical Director for the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Orchestra, (NYC/WABC) 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 •Commissioned by Wynton Marsalis to compose music for Jazz and Art series, conducted and performed with J@LC orchestra, CD release August 2019 •New York Pops Education, Board of Education certified, 2018 and 2019 •Commissioned new music for Afro Latin Jazz Alliance for “Nueva Musica” concert series •Grammy nominated for Papo Vázquez’ Mighty Pirates, Marooned/Aíslado, 2008 Papo was deeply moved by jazz at a young age. His appreciation and knowledge of the indigenous music of the Caribbean provides him with a unique ability to fuse Afro-Caribbean rhythms with freer melodic and harmonic elements of progressive jazz. Learn more about Papo by visiting his website. — Real Art Ways le da la bienvenida de regreso al trombonista, compositor y arreglista Papo Vázquez a nuestro concierto anual y parranda navideña. Parranda de aguinaldo (música folclórica navideña), es una forma musical afro-indígena que se toca en temporada de vacaciones en varios países del Caribe y América Latina, incluidos Puerto Rico, Cuba, Trinidad y la zona costera de los estados de Aragua y Carabobo en Venezuela.
“En fin, Vázquez junto a sus Mighty Pirates Troubadours e invitados exponen un proyecto exquisito y cadencioso que se transforma en un banquete para los amantes del género.” – El Vocero, 2020 (In short, Vázquez along with his Mighty Pirates Troubadours and guests present an exquisite and lilting project that becomes a banquet for lovers of the genre.)
Band of Pirates:
Papo Vázquez – Trombone, Leader
Jose Mangual – Vocals, Percussions
Ivan Renta – Tenor Saxophone
Silvano Monasterios – Piano
Raul Reyes Bueno – Bass
Alvester Garnett – Drums
Carlos Maldonado – Percussions
Jose Claussell – Percussions

Manchester CT Jazz Festival
2025-12-06 18:30 - 22:30 | Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT, 06040
Performers include Grammy winner Dan Pugach with his Jazz Orchestra with guest vocalist Grammy winner Nicole Zuraitis. Also vocalist Vanish Gould with the Alex Nakhimovsky Trio, Jonathan Barber with Vision Ahead, the Liviu Pop group, the Hall Monitors and Grass Routes Bluegrass.
Additional performers include award winning Hall High School and Timothy Edwards Middle School Jazz Combos.
The festival, which has sold out for the past 3 years, promises to be extraordinary! Look forward to seeing you there!

Jazz Jam at Cafe Nine
2025-12-06 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-29 16:00 - 19:00 | CT
Every Saturday, 4-7

Christian Sands Trio
2025-12-05 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Jazz history is filled with stirring torch songs and ballads — brilliant expressions of suffering after love has gone awry. The jazz record shelf even contains some classic album-long explorations of melancholy. But it’s hard to find precedent in pianist Christian Sands’ new Embracing Dawn, his fifth full-length effort for Mack Avenue Records.
Sands’ LP is nothing less than a cinematic narration of the stages of grief, crafted by one of jazz’s finest young composers. It’s a “breakup record,” to be sure — composed while Sands was experiencing the hurt that only a sudden absence of love can deliver — but it’s so much more. In its thoughtfully assembled nine tracks are a group therapy session, a guide to healing, and an understanding that Sands’ deeply personal angst could apply to any person who has lost a partner, a job, a loved one, an opportunity, the list goes on. In other words, Embracing Dawn is for everyone.
“I actually tried not to write this record,” Sands says with a laugh. “It was painful. I was going through heartbreak, and I didn’t know what to do — and so I decided to put it all into music. But I knew I wasn’t alone in this feeling. So why not create a safe space for people to go when they’re having this feeling, when they’re having these thoughts or questions?”
Embracing Dawn trails 2023’s acclaimed Christmas Stories and 2020’s GRAMMY-nominated Be Water. Following that album’s release, the New York Times commented, “Equipped with a crisp but forceful touch, he seems always to be flowing in new directions, integrating elements of prog rock, gospel and Western classical into a forward-tumbling jazz conception.” Embracing Dawn furthers Sands’ uniquely cultivated jazz language, where agile post-bop meets soulful bluesy tinges and gorgeous swells of strings. Sands’ love of classical orchestration, he explains, is rooted in his lifelong obsession with film.
Ultimately, Sands’ sound and philosophy are informed by two of his most essential mentors: bass maestro Christian McBride, who, as Sands’ longtime employer, taught him the importance of always being yourself; and the late piano legend Dr. Billy Taylor, who stressed how crucial it is to connect jazz to a wide-ranging audience. “I want Embracing Dawn to be something you gravitate toward because of the story,” Sands says

Ian Hendrickson-Smith & Friends
2025-12-05 20:00 | Neighborhood Music School, 100 Audubon Streen, New Haven, CT
Saxophonist Ian Hendrickson-Smith is known for his rich tone, soulful style, and blues-driven melodies. A genre-hopping musician with six Grammys and decades of performances at the world’s top venues, Ian currently tours with The Roots and plays on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Ian has recorded or toured with artists including The Roots, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Al Green, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Bob Dylan, Lizzo, and many more.
Ian will perform with Al Street (guitar), Eric Finland (organ), and David Hawkins (drums) for one special performance at NMS

Jazz at Three Sheets
2025-12-05 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.

Laroo/Byrd Funky4
2025-12-05 17:30 - 21:30 | The Flying Monkey, 2095 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT
Join us for Laroo/Byrd Funky4, where we bring our signature blend of jazz, funk, and blues “to the max”. Expect soulful improvisations, groovy rhythms, and feel-good vibes that just might move you from your seat to the dance floor if the spirit calls you!

Firehouse 12 Weekly Concert Series
2025-12-05 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street, New Haven, CT
November 14: Otherlands Trio
November 21: Jon Irabagon Quintet
December 5: Matt Mitchell & Sara Serpa
December 12: Tyshawn Sorey Trio
December 19: Ingrid Laubrock’s Grammy Season + + DoYeon Kim
Tickets are $20 for the 8:30pm performance and $15 for 10:00pm. All tickets can be purchased online or, subject to availability, at the box office on the night of the show.

Joe Morris / Stephen Haynes / Matt Rouseau / GoBruCcio
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Ely Center of Contemporary Art, 51 Trumbull St, New Haven, CT
Joe Morris / Stephen Haynes / Matt Rouseau
GoBruCcio (Bob Gorry / Pete Brunelli / Peter Riccio)

Black Eyed Sally’s Jazz Jam - Mentorship VI - Keenan Asbridge ft Chase Wohl & Nathan Ben-Ari
2025-12-03 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
2025-12-02 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-25 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/

Greg Bendian / Brett Bottomley / Diane Buettner / Bob Gorry
2025-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Ely Center of Contemporary Art, 51 Trumbull St, New Haven, CT

Tuxedo Junction
2025-12-01 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-24 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.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
2025-11-30 20:00 - 22:00 | Infinity Hall – Hartford, 32 Front Street, Hartford, CT, 06103
Celebrate the season as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band returns with the Creole Christmas concert series. Join as the band performs New Orleans classics as well as some of our best-loved holiday selections with a twist.

Dr. G’s Jazz Brunch
2025-11-30 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.

Mike Clark Quartet
2025-11-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Craig Handy – Saxophone
Mike LeDonne – Piano
Nat Reeves – Bass
Mike Clark – Drums
Mike Clark gained worldwide recognition as one of America’s foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock’s group in the early 1970s. Mike became known as a major innovator through his incisive playing on Hancock’s Thrust album, which garnered him an international cult following.
Mike has performed with jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Woody Shaw, Larry Coryell, Jack Wilkins, Wallace Roney, Geri Allen, Billy Childs, James Genus, Bob Hurst, Chris Potter, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Dave Liebman, Nat Adderly, Oscar Brown Jr., Bill Doggett, Mose Allison, Maxine Brown, Gil Evans and his orchestra, and did a stint with Brand X, the acclaimed British fusion band, founded by Phil Collins. He has performed throughout the world at all the major jazz venues and festivals.
Featured in Downbeat, Musician, International Musician & Recording World, Modern Drummer, Jazz Times, Guitar Player, Jazz Is and numerous jazz history and method books, Mike is a former faculty member of Drummers Collective, and is a popular and busy clinician around the country. His book Funk Drumming: Innovative Grooves & Advanced Concepts was published last year by Hal Leonard and is a best seller.
Called “the most sampled drummer in hip hop,” Mike’s beats have been used on tracks by musicians as diverse as NWA, Grandmaster Flash, Britney Spears, Prince and many others.
His numerous recording credits include albums with Herbie Hancock, the Headhunters, Brand X, Eddie Henderson, Jack Wilkins, Mark Puricelli, Mike Wolff, and Alien Army, a group led by guitar great Jack Wilkins. As a bandleader, his release Give The Drummer Some was very enthusiastically received, earning a rare four and a half stars in Downbeat, as was The Funk Stops Here, a joint effort with Hancock alumni Paul Jackson. In 2001, his solo CD, Actual Proof met with critical acclaim, as did the 2003 acoustic jazz release, Summertime, featuring Chris Potter and Billy Childs, which spent many weeks in the top ten charts.
Other efforts included a compilation of his legendary, innovative funk beat samples, Mike Clark’s The Headhunter, a re-release of the widely acclaimed Thrust album, and, in 1998, The Return Of The Headhunters, featuring Herbie Hancock. Next came Herbie Hancock’s Box Set, featuring Headhunters classics “Actual Proof” and “Butterfly,” from Thrust, a few choice cuts from Manchild, and also some historical tracks from the classic Flood, previously only available in Japan. The Headhunters’ newest effort, Evolution/Revolution, released in 2003, featured the latest Headhunter configuration, with original founding members Mike, Bill Summers and Paul Jackson, joined by Donald Harrison, Victor Atkins (Los Hombres Caliente), and Nicholas Payton.
Of his latest endeavor, a recording as a bandleader with Christian MacBride, Donald Harrison, Patrice Rushen, Jed Levy and Christian Scott, produced by Talking House Productions, Mike said it promises to be “some of the most exciting music I’ve ever been involved with.” He’s also featured on Mike Wolff’s latest recording Love And Destruction, and just got out of the studio with country blues legend Delbert McClinton.
His band Prescription Renewal, which debuted in the winter of 2000, electrified audiences across the country with an eclectic core of cross generational multi talents such as Charlie Hunter, Fred Wesley, Skerik, Robert Walter, and DJ Logic, and always featured stellar special guests such as George Porter Jr. of Funky Meters’ fame, Kyle Hollingsworth of String Cheese Incident, Les Claypool, Will Bernard, Larry Goldings and fellow Headhunters alumni, Bill Summers, and proved a hit on the thriving young jam band scene. Touring concurrently that year and the next was the Roots Funk All Stars, another hot ad hoc association that married Mike with James Brown trombonist Fred Wesley, former Headhunter cohort and funk bassist legend Paul Jackson, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Robben Ford. In 2004 he teamed up for a series of gigs with fellow drumming legend Lenny White in a two drummer powerhouse band called New Brew featuring music inspired by Miles Davis’ landmark recording Bitches Brew.
Mike is currently busy touring with his own Prescription Organ Trio / Duo, featuring Jerry Z, doing clinics and performing at clubs and concerts nationwide. He’s also a regular in pianist Mike Wolff’s band, Impure Thoughts and continues to do Headhunters’ projects around the world. Mike just returned from the annual PASIC convention in Austin, TX where he performed with fellow drummer Jim Payne to an enthusiastic full house. In 2007, he has tours booked throughout Europe, South America, South Africa and Russia.
Mike’s work continues to influence successive generations of drummers since his explosive arrival on the music scene with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters.

Bob Ahern Quartet
2025-11-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Lighthouse Inn, 6 Guthrie Pl, New London, CT
The Bob Ahern Quartet featuring Jazz drummer Bob Ahern will be performing the last Saturday of every month for 2025 at the legendary Lighthouse Inn in New London. Each month, Bob features a different Jazz celebrity. Great jazz venue and restaurant.

Steve Davis Quintet Ft Abena Koomson-Davis
2025-11-28 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Steve Davis – Trombone
Abena Koomson-Davis – Vocals
Rick Germanson – Piano
Matt Dwonszyk – Bass
Jonathan Barber – Drums

Steve Davis “Stevie-D” nickname given to him by the late Jackie McLean
Born in Worcester, MA in 1967, Davis was raised in Binghamton, NY and graduated in 1989 from Hartt School’s Jackie McLean Institute. It was with McLean’s guidance and recommendation that Davis landed his ﬁrst major performance with Art Blakey in NYC. In 98’ Steve winning the TDWR (Rising Star) Trombone Category and later named consecutively as Trombonist of the Year by The JJA – (2010-2013). Widely regarded as one of today’s leading voices on the trombone. His lyrical, hard-swinging style ﬁrst gained him broad recognition. Steve has released 20 albums including: Think Ahead (2017), Say When (2015), For Real & Gettin’ It Done (2014) featuring his longtime musical colleagues Larry Willis and Nat Reeves along with drummer Billy Williams, saxophonists Abraham Burton (For Real), Mike DiRubbo and trumpeter Josh Bruneau (Gettin’ It Done), in addition to over 100 recordings with names including: Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Horace Silver, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones. In 2018 his original composition “Optimism” was included in Christian McBride’s Grammy Award winning album “Bringin’ it”. Steve Davis’ latest release with his sextet “Correlations” (label: Smoke Sessions Records) Steve features Joshua Bruneau, trumpet; Wayne Escoﬀery, tenor saxophone; Xavier Davis, piano; Dexron Dougles, bass; Johnathan Barber, drums; Caro Baptista, percussion on “Batista Revenge”.
He leads his groups All-Star quartet Larry Willis (Alone Together/Mapleshade 2006) and his exciting, Outlook Quintet featuring rising stars Mike DiRubbo (alto sax), David Bryant (piano), Dezron Douglas (bass) and Eric McPherson (drums) regularly performing at Smoke and Smalls Jazz Club (NYC); The Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, Baltimore’s Eubie Blake Center, The Richmond Jazz Society, Hartford Jazz Society.
Steve performs internationally with Dizzy Gillespie’s All-Stars, Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter. Chick Corea & My Spanish Heart Band, Origin, he has appeared at The Jimmy Fallon with Steve Wonder, at the White House Tribute to Ray Charles (PBS) and records with the collective unit One For All (Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, David Hazeltine, John Webber and Joe Farnsworth), Larry Willis, Harold Malberen.Widely regarded as one of today’s leading voices on the trombone. His lyrical, hard-swinging style first gained him broad recognition.

Al Fenton Big Band directed by Kathy Neri
2025-11-27 18:15 - 20:15 | The Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol, CT
Enjoy the vibrant and smooth sounds of the 18 piece Al Fenton Big Band. Their open rehearsal gives you a behind-the scenes look at their musical process, followed by a performance that will have you dancing on the beautiful wooden dance floor.
BYOB: Enhance your evening by bringing your own beverages and food. Relax and enjoy a lively night out with great music and company. While you are at The Carousel Museum, take some time to visit the museum’s exhibits before or after the rehearsal to discover the rich history and artistry of carousel.
Thursday, March 27th
Thursday, April 24
Thursday, May 29
Thursday, June 26
Thursday, July 31
Thursday, August 28
Thursday, September 25th
Thursday, October 30th (Boo Bash – Costumes Encouraged)
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18th Holiday Spectacular
Admission Tickets available at the door.
Members: Free!
Adults $15
Seniors/Students $10
Kids 12 and Under: Free

Black Eyed Sally’s Jazz Jam
2025-11-26 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.
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

Jazz at Cafe Nine
2025-11-25 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.

New Haven Improvisers Collective (workshop)
2025-11-24 19:30 - 22:30 | Ely Center of Contemporary Art, 51 Trumbull St, New Haven, CT
Last Monday of every month, 7:30-10:30 PM
The New Haven Improvisers Collective is dedicated to bringing improvised music to New Haven. Bring your instrument to the next NHIC improvised music workshop. Visit the website below and send your contact information to info@nhic-music.org
https://www.nhic-music.org

Donald Vega Sextet
2025-11-23 20:00 - 22:30 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Donald Vega – Piano
David DeJesus – Alto Saxophone
Brandon Lee – Trumpet
Raul Reyes – Bass
Carlos “Carly” Maldonado – Percussion
Jerome Jennings – Drums
Grammy®-nominated pianist and composer Donald Vega brings his new project, Legacy, to the stage — celebrating the power of mentorship and the timeless ways communities pass stories and traditions from one generation to the next. Funded in part by Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works grant, Legacy is music in conversation with time itself: swinging tunes, Latin grooves, and unforgettable melodies that honor jazz’s living tradition while reaching for the future. Experience an evening of storytelling through sound with one of today’s most compelling jazz voices.
Grammy® nominated artist Donald Vega is a luminary on the piano and unites audiences around the world through his melodic storytelling and the transformative power of music. Vega was named a Guggenheim Fellow in 2023 for composition, and through the generous support of the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation completed and released his album As I Travel, which earned a Grammy® nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album.
Donald Vega was trained classically in piano in his native Nicaragua. He emigrated to the United States at age 14 and found a musical home with the Colburn School of Performing Arts (CSPA). He began his studies there in classical piano with Teresa de Jong Pombo and Dr. Louise Lepley. Vega began learning the language of jazz from mentor Billy Higgins at The World Stage and continued at CSPA with Jeffrey Lavner, then later with bassist John Clayton at the University of Southern California. During his time in Los Angeles Donald was mentored by and performed with the celebrated conguero Francisco Aguabella as well as notable bassist Al McKibbon. He went on to graduate from Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School where he studied with piano great Kenny Barron, Phil Markowitz and Gary Dial.
Vega currently performs internationally as the pianist for world renowned bassist Ron Carter with whom he has recorded several albums. Mr. Vega is also a professor at The Juilliard School and Hofstra University and sits on the board of BackCountry Jazz, a non-profit organization which provides music education programs and performances to underprivileged youth.
Vega’s debut album, Tomorrows, was released in 2008 to rave reviews. In his sophomore album, Spiritual Nature (Resonance Records, 2012), he was joined by the regal rhythm tandem of bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Nash. Vega teamed up again with Lewis Nash on his third album, With Respect to Monty, (Resonance Records, 2015) along with Hassan Shakur, the great bassist and former Monty Alexander band member, and long-time friend and grammy nominated artist, Anthony Wilson on guitar. Donald recently released his latest album, As I Travel, with Lewis Nash on drums and John Patitucci on bass and featuring Luisito Quintero on percussion. Downbeat called it a “recording with high-caliber vision and carefully crafted compositions…” and All About Jazz called it a “captivating musical memoir”.

Jon Irabagon Quartet w/Nate Wooley
2025-11-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Community Music School of Springfield, 127 State St., Springfield, MA
Jon Irabagon (reeds), Matt Mitchell (piano), Chris Lightcap (bass), Dan Weiss (drums), Nate Wooley (trumpet)
First-generation Filipino-American Jon Irabagon (b. 1978, Chicago) has been influenced by the self-empowering and individualistic philosophies and aesthetic of the great AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) ensembles as well as the historic world-class tenor saxophone lineage from his hometown. Equally adept at composing for rising stars in new music and the most intricate modern jazz ensemble, Irabagon builds on this foundation by adding modern classical and late-period John Coltrane to his compositional base, focusing primarily on mixed chamber ensembles to take advantage of hand-chosen musicians’ voices and attitudes.
After earning a Bachelor of Music from DePaul University, Irabagon continued his education by earning a Master of Arts from the Manhattan School of Music and completing post-graduate studies in the jazz program at Juilliard, where he received an Artist Diploma. However, Irabagon’s accomplishments do not end with his education. Irabagon was also the winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition, winner of the Rising Star award in Downbeat Magazine for both alto and tenor saxophones, and the recipient of a Philippine Presidential Award, the highest civilian honor an overseas Filipino can receive in commemoration for their contributions to the perception of Filipinos worldwide.
As a member of a minority community who fights against the countless times his voice has been marginalized, Irabagon’s compositions rely on open dialogues with his fellow performers to create a gateway for communication and understanding. This interaction of notated material and strong improvisatory character is essential to Irabagon’s musical vision. As music reporter Nate Chinen notes in his Top Performances of 2015 article, Irabagon’s compositions “are drawn to the play of opposing forces, especially those involving abstraction of form.”
Named one of New York City’s 25 Jazz Icons by Time Out New York, Irabagon composes for his ensemble Outright!, which received a 5-star Masterpiece review in Downbeat Magazine for Unhinged (2014), as well as the Jon Irabagon Trio, featuring Barry Altschul and Mark Helias, and his new quartet with Matt Mitchell, Chris Lightcap and Dan Weiss. Irabagon has been an integral part of ensembles such as the Dave Douglas Quintet, the Mary Halvorson Quintet, Septet and Octet, Barry Altschul’s 3Dom Factor, Ralph Alessi’s This Against That, Mostly Other People do the Killing and Uri Caine’s Catbird.
Irabagon has been an ensemble and private lesson instructor for all levels at several institutions in the New York City area, including with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Middle School Jazz Academy, as well as giving saxophone, improvisation, and composition masterclasses on four continents.
In January 2023, Irabagon joined the University of Illinois Chicago faculty, teaching jazz saxophone, direct combos, and courses in jazz history.
Irabagon’s main focus is building his own compositional voice, as evidenced by receiving grants and commissions like The Stone at National Sawdust Commissioning Series, an Artists at Albatross Reach compositional residency, the Shifting Foundation, two French American Cultural Exchange grants, a Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant, a South Arts Jazz Road touring grant, and an upcoming USArtists International grant.
Irabagon currently runs his own imprint, Irabbagast Records, to release his own uncategorizable works as well as other cutting-edge, creative artists.

Instantiations Monthly Music Series at Real Art Ways
2025-11-23 14:30 - 16:30 | 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.
Sunday, 11/23, 2:30 pm: Rob Brown-alto saxophone, flute; Anna Webber-tenor saxophone, flute; Matthew Rousseau-drums; Joe Morris-bass, compositions
Sunday, 12/14, 2:30 pm: Brad Barrett-cello; Beth Ann Jones-bass; Joe Morris-guitar
Sunday, 1/18, 2:30 pm: Hidemi Akaiwa-piano; Hery Paz-tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute; Joe Morris-bass
Sunday, 2/15, 2:30 pm: Adam Matlock-accordion; Diane Buettner-bass clarinet, clarinet; Yoona Kim-Ajaeng; Joe Morris-guitar
Sunday, 3/15, 2:30 pm: L. Mixashawn Rozie-tenor, soprano saxophone, mandolin, voice; Michael Larocca-drums; Joe Morris-bass
Sunday, 4/12, 2:30 pm: Melanie Dyer-viola; Solomon Caldwell-bass; Joe Morris-guitar
Sunday, 5/3, 2:30 pm: Selendis Sebastian Alexander Johnson-vibraphone; Lemuel Marc-trumpet; Joe Morris-bass
General Admission $15 / Members $12 / Students $8
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