Since 1991, Paul Brown, a noted Hartford jazz bassist and music educator, has gathered friends and collaborators to play world class jazz music to thousands of music lovers and musicians alike at the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz. This year, after two years of hiatus, the festival is back at Bushnell Park, America’s oldest publicly funded park, on July 15-17.
Who Will Be There?
Everyone! The festival is now the largest free jazz event in all of New England, attracting up to 70,000 people over the three days. But don’t let that number scare you off – with over 100 volunteers, the festival runs smoothly. There is plenty of space, people are respectful and organized, and there will be large screens, so you’ll never miss any of the action. If you want to be close to the stage, remember to get there early.
The Lineup
The 2022 festival is kicking off Thursday, with Hall High School Marching Band featuring Chris Crenshaw. Here are the lineups for the following days:
Friday, July 15
7:00pm- Chembo Corniel Quintet feat. Ray Vega
8:05pm- Art from the Hart- Whitney Lucky J
8:30pm- Vincent Ingala
10:00pm- Boney James
Saturday, July 16
2:30pm- Will Prince and Friends
4:30pm- Isaiah Sharkey
6:05pm- Art from the Hart- Betty Bruk Up
6:30pm- Brian Simpson, Jakeim Joyner, Steve Oliver
8:30pm- Spyro Gyra
10:30pm- Average White Band
Sunday, July 17
1:00pm- Funky Dawgs Brass Band
2:30pm- Matt Marshak
4:30m- Firey String Sistas
6:05pm- Art from the Hart- Klassy Katz |
6:30pm- Marquis Hill: New Gospel Revisited (100%)
8:30pm- The Manhattan Transfer
What Do I Need to Know?
This is a free event – there are no tickets sold for it. It is sponsored every year by local groups and businesses, allowing it to be open to anyone and everyone who wants to hear some jazz. There is plenty of parking nearby, so that won’t be a problem. Pets are welcome at this fun event, just remember to clean up after them. There are art, food, beverage, and craft vendors at the festival, so please visit them!
There are a few things you’ll need to bring with you:
- Chairs or blankets to sit on
- Sunscreen
- Weather gear in case of rain
- Masks
The festival kindly asks that you do not bring any grills- whether charcoal or gas- or tall chairs with high canopies that restrict view. Feel free to bring picnic baskets, but please remember to take your garbage with you when you leave.
Looking for other fun things to do in Connecticut?
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