If there’s one thing Hartford is best known for it’s live jazz, and this week we’ve got a chock-full of smooth sounds from Monday Night Jazz to the 23rd annual Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, which kicks off this weekend.
Hartfordians love jazz, and for a good reason: the rhythmic blues have long been an inspiration to musicians and artists, such as Ed Johnetta Miller.
Other notable events include Sea Tea’s improv show, a cocktail hour for mingling with artsy creatives, a lecture on marginalization and resistance by Amy Goodman, and the ArtWalk opening reception at the Hartford Public Library for Young @ Art. With a lineup like this you won’t want to leave town this week (staycation, anyone?).
When you see [UA] in the heading, it means the organization is supported by the contributions made to the Arts Council’s Annual United Arts Campaign.
WEDNESDAY
Painting, Sipping, & Chocolate Tasting
When: Wednesday, July 16, 5PM- 6:30PM
Where: Wine ETC. 8 Mill Pond Lane, Granby
Treat yourself to a midweek party with the Art Truck, featuring specialty wines, wine glass decorating, and Munson chocolates.
Admission: $25. 860-278-6864. www.thearttruck.com
THURSDAY
ArtWalk Opening Reception: Young @ Art
When: Thursday, July 17, 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Where: ArtWalk at Hartford Public Library
Check out the latest exhibition featuring the work of Joe Young, cartoonist and community activist, whose work provokes messages on AIDS, drugs, prejudice, and violence.
Admission: Free. 860-695-6300. http://artwalk.hplct.org/
July Creative Cocktail Hour – Maker Faire! [UA]
When: Thursday, July 17, 6PM – 10PM
Where: Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street, Hartford
Network with other industry creatives and enjoy a night of live music from the Science Music Road Show.
Admission: $5-$10. 860-232-1006. www.realartways.org
FRIDAY
Sea Tea Improv’s Longform Showcase
When: Friday, July 18, 8PM – 9:30PM
Where: The Studio at Billings Forge, 563 Broad St. Hartford
Kick off your Friday night with laughs from Sea Tea Improv, feauturing “longform” improv comedy by Franklin’s Peaches and other area comedians.
Admission: $10. www.seateaimprov.com
Movies & Music: Song of the Thin Man [UA]
When: Friday, July 18, 5:30PM
Where: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main Street, Hartford
Enjoy a classic dinner and a movie with this week’s showing of Song of the Thin and music by Mary Corso Trio.
Admission: $9 (free for members). 860-838-4100. www.thewadsworth.org
The 23rd Annual Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
When: Friday, July 18, 5PM (through July 20)
Where: Bushnell Park
Jazz never stops in Hartford. Head over to Bushnell Park for the 23rd annual jazz festival going on all weekend.
Admission: Free. www.hartfordjazz.org
Free Movies after Dark: Annie
When: Friday, July 18, 6:30PM
Where: Elizabeth Park
Relax under the stars and watch a free screening of “Annie” (PG) at Elizabeth Park beginning at sundown.
Admission: Free. www.Hartford.com
SATURDAY
Mark Twain’s Companions & Cohorts
When: Saturday, July 19, 10AM
Where: Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford
Learn the details of Mark Twain’s life, including his closest friends, neighbors, and colleagues on this tour led by popular guide, Steve Courtney.
Admission: $5 (free for members). 860-956-3311. www.cedarhillfoundation.org
Let’s GO Arts! Member Discount: Free
Connecticut Ballet Summer Dance Caravan: Celebration of Latin Choreographers
When: Saturday, July 19, 7:30PM
Where: Riverfront Recapture, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford
Enjoy three world premieres by choreographers from Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Brazil, as well as a revival of ‘Carmen Suite’ by Cuban choreographer, Alberto Alonso.
Admission: Free. 860-293-1039. www.connecticutballet.com
Living with Art: Selected Works from the Margaret Penn Collection
When: Saturday, July 19, 5PM – 7PM
Where: Windsor Art Center, 40 Mechanic St. Windsor
Discover the works of outstanding artists of African descent in Haiti and the United States at this opening reception.
Admission: Free. 860-688-2528. www.windsorartcenter.org
SUNDAY
Music from Monticello
When: Sunday, July 20, 4PM – 5PM
Where: Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue, Hartford
Don’t miss this special, one-time performance by the Rosewood Chamber Ensemble with music from the Baroque era.
Admission: Free. 860-870-9922. www.barbarahopkins.com
Afternoon Critiques with Terrance Regan [UA]
When: Sunday, July 20, 1PM – 3PM
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street, New Britain
Bring your latest artwork to this afternoon critique and learn how to discuss your artwork with others, as well as engage in the critiquing process.
Admission: 860-229-0257. www.nbmaa.org
MONDAY
The Silenced Majority: Stories of Uprisings, Occupations, Resistance, and Hope [UA]
When: Monday, July 21, 7PM
Where: The Mark Twain House & Museum
Hear a lecture from host and producer of “Democracy Now!” Amy Goodman, followed by a book sale and signing.
Admission: $15-$20. 860-280-3130. www.marktwainhouse.org
Monday Night Jazz
When: Monday, July 21, 6PM
Where: Bushnell Park (rain venue: Asylum Hill Congregational Church)
Monday Night Jazz continues with featured headliner Ralph Peterson Fo’tet – Fo’ n Mo’.
Admission: Free. 860-768-4701. www.hartfordmondaynightjazz.com
Taste [UA]
When: Monday, Jul 21, 6PM
Where: Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor St. Hartford
Watch en episode of the French series “Inventing Cuisine” and nibble on samples prepared by a top area chef.
Admission: $22-$25. 860-232-1006. www.realartways.org
TUESDAY
Summer Art Adventures: Session 3: Digital Photography Workshop [UA]
When: Tuesday, July 22, 10:30AM – 12PM
Where: New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington Street, New Britain
Bring your own camera (tablets and smartphones welcome) and learn the basics of photography. Ages 6+.
Admission: $12 – $18. 860-229-0257. www.nbmaa.org
Want a spot on our list? Submit your arts and cultural events to our calendar and we may just feature it.
