This year’s Baby Grand Jazz series at Hartford Library returns to live performances
Hartford Public Library has announced the performers for its 2022 Baby Grand Jazz series and will return to live performances after going to streaming only last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The influential local jazz series, one of the most popular programs at the library, will consist of 17 concerts happening between Jan. 2 and April 24 at the main downtown library’s Center for Contemporary Culture on Sundays at 3 p.m. in front of a small audience. There is no concert on Easter, April 17, but otherwise there’s a show every week.
The concerts will also be livestreamed. The series has found an international audience of thousands of viewers for the livestreamed concerts.
It’s the 19th year of Baby Grand Jazz, which showcases jazz artists who have some connection to Hartford but in most cases also have regional, national and/or international followings.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer an in-person live music experience this year, and hope to continue fostering community and connection for Hartford area music lovers,” said Liz Castle, Hartford Public Library’s programming and events manager.
Admission is free, but registration is required for in-person seating, as are masks. The streams can be found on the library Facebook page and YouTube channel. More information on the 2022 Baby Grand Jazz series can be found at hplct.org. The library is located at 500 Main St. in Hartford.
The season
Jan. 2: The eclectic soul/jazz/modern duo S.O.A.R., whose band name stands for “Sounds of A&R, namely vocalist April May Webb and trumpeter Randall Haywood.
Jan. 9: New Haven-based trumpeter Joshua Bruneau, who has toured Europe with Curtis Fuller and has recorded with the Ken Fowser Quintet and Steve Davis.
Jan. 16: Singer/songwriter Dana Lauren, who has performed with, and had an album produced by, Arturo Sandoval.
Jan. 23: Quartet 95, a decade-old ensemble named for the interstate highway.
Jan. 30: The multicultural Boston band Noah y Maurizio, which incorporates folk and Brazilian sounds into their acoustic-based sets.
Feb. 6: Bebop and traditional pianist Emery Austin Smith, a lifelong Hartford resident who last played the Baby Grand series in 2019.
Feb. 13: Versatile drummer Trevor Davis with his combo Jazz Affair. Davis grew up playing with such Connecticut legends as Michael Bolton, G.E. Smith and the band Fountainhead. He’s also played in Dixieland acts.
Feb. 20: Saxophonist and Connecticut native Colin Walters with his quartet. Walters has played with Funky Dawgz Brass Band, New London Big Band and several symphony orchestras in the state.
Feb. 27: Mary DiPaola Trio, featuring noted local bassist/bandleader/educator Nat Reeves. Both DiPaolo (a pianist) and Reeves have taught at the Hartt School. The Mary DiPaolo trio last played the Baby Grand series in 2019.
March 6: The DeChamplain/Anick Quartet, featuring pianist Matt DeChamplain of Hartford and violinist Jason Anick of Boston. The quartet pays homage to such composers and performers as John Coltrane, Horace Silver, Stephane Grappelli and Oscar Peterson.
March 13: Carl Testa’s Sway. Local experimental jazz mainstay Testa is the production manager at New Haven’s avant-jazz studio and listening room Firehouse 12 and the director of publishing and creative technology for jazz great Anthony Braxton’s Tri-Centric Foundation.
March 20: Pianist Mike Carabello, who studied at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, and his trio.
March 27: Uruguayan pianist Nando Michelin, who lives and teaches in Massachusetts, alongside Brazilian bassist Ebinho Cardoso, who create jazz scores to the poetry of João Cabral de Melo Neto.
April 3: The Sherry Winston Band. Revered jazz flutist Winston has been inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. She last played the Baby Grand series in 2017.
April 10: Singer/songwriter Allegra Levy, whose latest album “Lose My Number” was released in 2020.
April 17, Easter Sunday: No show
April 24: Ronnie Burrage & Holographic Principle. Jazz/funk/soul drummer/keyboardist Burrage has recorded with Hamiet Bluiett, Jack Walrath, World Saxophone Quartet and many others.
Christopher Arnott can be reached at carnott@courant.com.
