Jazz Great To Perform At West Hartford Concert

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Blue Back Square is already a top shopping and dining destination in West Hartford, but on Sunday, Oct. 8, it will be a Mecca for the classic American art form of jazz.

From 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, "WeHa United in Jazz" will bring top jazz musicians to Blue Back Square, 65 Memorial Road, for a day of music, engagement and education. The event is free and open to all.

Carl Carter is headlining the event and will be accompanied by special guest musicians.

Carter's Broadway credits include the Tony-winning hit musical, ‘COME FROM AWAY’, the Tony-nominated hit show, “Disaster: The Musical,” “Holler if Ya Hear Me” and the Tony-nominated “Bring it On: The Musical.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet and greet professional musicians from 2 to 3 p.m.

Then at 3 p.m., the show begins, with Carter and special guests playing until 4:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

"WeHa United in Jazz" is funded through a grant given to the Bridge Family Center’s ‘Turning Points’ program for at-risk youth and young adults.

The goal of the program is to connect youth with their community and help youth improve their academic performance and avoid high-risk behavior.

During the event, West Hartford’s Prevention Partnership will share resources and information.

Primary event organizers are the West Hartford Police Department and WHAASCO — West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization.

Police Chief Vern Riddick, Jr. said “This is an event where police and the community can come together to hang out, have a good time and forge relationships in a non-traditional way.”

“WHAASCO believes good relationships are built when police and residents interact one-on-one, where we can get to know each other individually and develop healthy relationships,” said Earl Exum, president of WHAASCO.

Parking is available in the Isham and Memorial municipal garages, the West Hartford Town Hall municipal lot, and on the street. Fees apply.

For more information on the event, click on this link.