Chill Out For Four Hot Nights Of Cool Jazz

HARTFORD, CT — When West Hartford's Hall High School Jazz Band (featuring Chris Crenshaw) hits the stage on Thursday, it will begin New England's largest free jazz festival.

And with perfect summer weather expected, crowds are expected to be heavy July 14-17 at Bushnell Park, 99 Trinity St., for the annual Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz.

There are four days planned of summer jazz events at the park. Among the highlights are:

• West Hartford's Hall High School Jazz Band kicks off the festival Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Friday's lineup features Chembo Corniel Quintet featuring Ray Vega at 7 p.m.; Art from the Hart-Whitney Lucky J (dance) at 8:05 p.m.; Vincent Ingala –at 8:30 p.m.; and Boney James at 10 p.m.

• A big day Saturday starts at 2:30 p.m. with Will Prince and Friends; Isaiah Sharkey at 4:30 p.m.; Art from the Hart-Betty Bruk Up (dance) at 6:05 p.m.; Brian Simpson/Jackiem Joyner/Steve Oliver at 6:30 p.m.; Spyro Gyra at 8:30 p.m.; and the Average White Band at 10:30 p.m.

• Sunday promises a full day starting that morning with: The Hot Cat Jazz Band\Mass at Christ Church Cathedral Downtown Hartford at 10 a.m.; Funky Dawgz Brass Band at 1 p.m.; Matt Marshak at 2:30 p.m.; Firey String Sistas at 4:30 p.m.; Art from the Hart-Klassy Katz (dance) at 6:05 p.m.; Marquis Hill: New Gospel Revisited (100%) at 6:30 p.m.; and the world-famous The Manhattan Transfer at 8:30 p.m.

According to the event's website:

"The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is a non-profit organization originally conceived by Paul Brown, noted Hartford jazz bassist and music educator.

"For 28 years, Paul had produced the Monday Night Jazz Concerts in Bushnell Park, drawing thousands of music lovers to Hartford’s Bushnell Park for picnics and world-class entertainment.

"That first Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, in July of 1991, was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of those wonderful summers.

"The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz has grown to be the largest free jazz event in New England, with an average attendance of over 60,000, and attracting more than 70,000 fans during the three day Festival in 2019.

"The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz will present its 29th annual event of three nights and two days of hot and cool jazz at the Performance Pavilion.

"Connecticut’s State Capitol Building and Hartford’s skyline provide a beautiful, dramatic backdrop as the sun sets and the stars rise in the night sky and on stage," reads the event's website.

For more information, including how to donate to the nonprofit organization, visit the event's website at this link.