Events for February 2024

In 2024, Baby Grand Jazz is celebrating its 20th season. Hartford Public Library is excited to host everyone back at the Downtown Library in the Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC). Enter through the Library's Arch Street entrance only. All concerts are from 3:00-4:00 p.m. with doors opening at 2:00 p.m. The concerts will also be […]

The Paradox Organ Alliance is dedicated to preserving and continuing the great 70-plus-year tradition of Hammond organ, guitar and drum set trios. From blues to bebop, latin, funky boogaloo to the Great American Songbook, each Alliance set explores a musical journey through time. Whenever possible, guest soloists are featured. The founding members, Dr. Gary Grippo, […]

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 […]

Yosvany Terry traces his family’s roots to the kingdom of Dahomey, or present-day Benin.  After being taken taken to work in Haiti and Jamaica, his relatives eventually were able  to immigrate to Cuba in roughly 1910. As a child, Yosvany embraced the African musical and religious traditions that were  a fundamental and integral part of […]

Dave Pietro - alto saxophone Scott Wendholt - trumpet Gary Versace - piano Jay Anderson - bass Billy Drummond - drums A native of Southboro, Massachusetts, Dave Pietro has been on the New York music scene since 1987. His talents as a gifted saxophonist, composer, and educator have made him an in-demand musician who has performed […]

The Jazz Brunch returns after a long Covid-induced pause!

This weekly event features a traditional jazz guitar trio (guitar, bass, drums) led by Gary Grippo. In addition to the trio, special guests are often included, most often a featured horn player, vocalist or pianist. Great American Songbook classics, bebop, & bossa nova “Dr G” Gary Grippo on guitar, Barry Ries on drums and trumpet, vocalist Martina […]

Matthew Shipp – Piano “Monumental.” – Chicago Tribune “Shipp is the connection between the past, present and future for jazz heads of all ages.” – Downbeat Matthew Shipp is a pianist, bandleader, and composer who creates an animated melodic tone by using a mix of traditional and free jazz. Shipp was raised in Wilmington, Delaware where he began […]

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 […]

A new music series at Never Ending Books on the 2nd Thursday of every month.  It will feature groups and ad hoc combinations of New Haven Improvisers Collective folks. Bob Gorry / Conor Perreault / Matt Wick COMBO NHIC - Angel Martinez, Paul McGuire ++ If you would like to join COMBO NHIC,  show up […]

Join us for an evening with jazz singer-songwriter and vocal/ instrumental powerhouse Nicole Zuraitis as she shares songs from her enchanting Grammy-winning album, How Love Begins. This is an unforgettable evening not to be missed! Featuring 10 original songs by the incredibly talented vocalist and pianist Nicole Zuraitis, and co-produced with the legendary bassist Christian […]

James Austin Jr. - piano/leader Joe Magnarelli - trumpet Josh Lee - alto saxophone Ben Rubens - bass Jeremy Warren - drums The soulful stylings of James Austin Jr., reveal his jazz pedigree and gospel roots. James, originally from Chicago, is an accomplished pianist and bandleader. He honed his craft under the tutelage of a […]

Come enjoy an afternoon of live jazz with the areas finest players. Sit in with the band and show off your chops or just sit and enjoy a cold drink while the music creates the vibe. Ages: 21+

Pelt...maintains a consistent forward momentum.. while he transmits a modern-day sense of urgency with his songs. Jeremy Pelt has become one of the preeminent young trumpeters within the world of jazz. Forging a bond with the Mingus Big Band very early on, as his career progressed, Pelt built upon these relationships and many others which […]

The Jazz Brunch returns after a long Covid-induced pause! Future performances: 2/11 – Alan Bates, Darren Litzie; 2/25 – Allen Lowe, Gary Grippo, Barry Ries; 3/10 – Atla & Matt DeChamplain, Ben Bilello; 3/24 – Chris Morrison, Matt DeChamplain, Ben Bilello

In 2024, Baby Grand Jazz is celebrating its 20th season. Hartford Public Library is excited to host everyone back at the Downtown Library in the Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC). Enter through the Library's Arch Street entrance only. All concerts are from 3:00-4:00 p.m. with doors opening at 2:00 p.m. The concerts will also be […]

Please join BVFCC and host Allen Lowe for a special Valentine’s edition of our Monthly Jazz Night with Allen Lowe & The All-Stars. There will be a coterie of musical guests assembled by our host each month in a relaxed setting with tables and chairs to truly sit back, relax, and enjoy the great vibe. […]

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 […]

NXTHVN PERFORMS: NEW HAVEN JAZZ Please register here to attend. In honor of Dixwell’s rich jazz history, which hosted world-renowned jazz artists alongside local legends in The Monterey throughout the 20th century, we bring together New Haven-based and more broadly Connecticut-based jazz legends for an intimate, intergenerational performance curated by the young and brilliant New Haven-bred […]

$36 - 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and since February 14th falls on a Wednesday—not the best night for those who have to get up in the morning--Litchfield Jazz has declared Friday, February 16th the official holiday. Everyone knows sweethearts don't need any more cologne, overpriced roses, or […]

Giacomo Gates does more than sing “a bunch of songs.” He is truly an entertainer, for all ages and styles, as audiences enjoy the music, the interaction on the bandstand between him and his musicians, the spontaneity, the humor, the stories about the music and composers, along with their relation to everyday life. People are […]

Diaspora Stories: Hartford highlights the history and intergenerational nature of Hartford’s African and African Diasporic arts community. The series focuses on the journey of different artists who have contributed to the development of Hartford’s thriving arts community over the years, with a combination of interviews and new performance footage featuring original music and arrangements by The […]

Exciting, captivating and completely distinctive” is how most jazz cognoscenti describe Shawnn's pulsating lyric style. Whether in the intimacy of a club date or the glitter of a Las Vegas showroom, Shawnn has delighted audiences from USA to Europe with her highly popular jazz repertoire laced with blues-oriented improvisations. Evident in Shawnn's liveliness of lyrical […]

In 2024, Baby Grand Jazz is celebrating its 20th season. Hartford Public Library is excited to host everyone back at the Downtown Library in the Center for Contemporary Culture (CCC). Enter through the Library's Arch Street entrance only. All concerts are from 3:00-4:00 p.m. with doors opening at 2:00 p.m. The concerts will also be […]

Celebration and Remembrance of the Life of Esdras Lubin – the beloved late bassist from NYC and New Haven who recently passed away.  Featuring Bruce Barrett on piano, Gary Grippo on guitar, Jeff Fuller on bass and others.

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 […]

Recognized as one of America’s “21 most vital and productive performing artists” (Doris Duke Artist Awards), Bill Frisell is a jazz guitarist and composer whose career spans more than 40 years. Frequently noted for his versatility, Frisell tackles avant-jazz, Americana, and pop, all with his recognizable warm, bell-like tone. He has released over 85 albums […]

The trio consists of Myron Yousman - vocals and guitar, Tim Larson - upright bass, and Bob Nolte - drums.  They play a mix of jazz, blues, latin, and funk.

Tomas Fujiwara's 7 Poets Trio: Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Tomeka Reid (cello), Patricia Brennan (vibes) Tomeka Reid Quartet: Tomeka Reid (cello), Mary Halvorson (guitar), Jason Roebke (bass), Tomas Fujiwara (drums) 7 Poets Trio formed in April 2018 during Tomas Fujiwara’s residency at The Stone. The rapport was instantaneous and the trio’s debut was described by All […]

We didn’t have to think very hard about whether the Fine Arts Center should present this program. You shouldn’t have to think very hard about whether to attend. The correct answer is the same for you as it was for us: “Uh, yeah!”Our decision was driven in no small part by the deep connection of […]

Alexis Marcelo (piano) Alexis Marcelo is a pianist from New York City with a deep love for music. He believes in the power of music as a positive and uplifting force. He is always looking to communicate those intimate parts of the soul through music. Alexis has been blessed to receive an extensive musical education […]

Medeski Martin & Wood’s Billy Martin — percussionist, composer, educator, performing artist— will perform a solo set utilizing percussion instruments, found objects, voice, flutes, bird calls, and more! Designed for people of all ages and backgrounds, this mind-blowing, unique, and soulful performance will take you to places beyond the imagination. Selcouth Quartet is a dynamic […]

Steve Bulmer, bass Jen Allen, piano Matt Parker, sax/flute Nathan Edwards, saxes Ben Bilello, drums $20 Advance Sales/$25 at the door. Students w/ID $10. Show your HJS membership card at the door and receive a 10% discount! (not available online due to ticket system limitations, sorry!) The Packing House is a warm, historic venue for […]

Kris Davis (piano) Pianist-composer Kris Davis’ project Diatom Ribbons was a breakthrough record incorporating elements of hip hop, rock, and groove featuring drummer and NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington, DJ Val Jeanty, and bassist Trevor Dunn. Davis and Carrington recently won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Jazz Album for Carrington’s album New Standards, Vol […]

The Erez Aviram Ensemble is a live experience that offers a unique blend of groovy, hip, and emotionally rich chamber music. The ensemble, with its distinctive instrumentation of piano, violin, cello, French horn, baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, bass, and drums, creates a fresh sound that is a testament to the fusion of genres, incorporating lively […]

Improvised Music Workshops on the last Monday of the month. Grab your instrument and join in. Improvisers Teach How To Listen NHIC Records  

Wesleyan’s Toneburst Laptop and Electronic Arts Ensemble presents new and arranged works for live electronics under the direction of Professor of Music Paula Matthusen.

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 […]

With a seven-string guitar and a live looper, Nick sounds like two guitars and a bass. Bringing brushes and snare, shakers, frame drum, and bongos into the mix, Carol sounds like, well, a singer playing percussion. They create a sound that is rich and layered, subtle and swinging. The Carol and Nick Duo has been […]

7:00 PM & 9:00 PM - $36 Featured in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune & LA Jazz Scene, Los Angeles-based jazz vocalist Rose Colella has received mention in All About Jazz, JAZZIZ, & TimeOut NYC, describing her as “elegantly tipsy,” “pure seduction,” “cooly coquettish” & “beautiful and inviting." Her much-anticipated album, "Cocktail" was released to […]

Brandee Younger is an American harpist who infuses classical, jazz, soul, and funk influences to the harp tradition pioneered by her predecessors and idols Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane.  Brandee was a 2021 GRAMMY Awards®  Nominee for Best Instrumental Composition.  Younger leads her own ensemble, performs as a soloist and has worked as a sideman […]

Litchfield Jazz Camp, the teaching arm of Litchfield Jazz Festival, will present its very first talent competition, the Litchfield Jazz Camp Talent Search.  Twenty-three finalists, ages 13 to 17 selected from a pool of applicants on the basis of taped auditions, will compete live for scholarships to the renowned summer music camp. The Litchfield Jazz […]

Drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, band leader and music educator Ronnie Burrage was born on October 19, 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri. His style draws most notably from the musical genres of “jazz”, “funk” and “soul”. Burrage sang in The St. Louis Cathedral Boys Choir from ages seven to eleven, and had the opportunity to […]