It always seems that people overbook events at certain times of year, like December, and then go for weeks without planning any events, but this January shows little slow down of things to do in Hartford. Here are a few of the offerings:

January 1st

It’s a spendy, but delicious way to begin the new year: Firebox will be having Sunday brunches. Can anyone really complain about adding more breakfast options?

January 5-8th

“Brahms and Beatboxing” at the Bushnell. Just what it sounds like. Way old school meets new.

January 6th

Three Kings Day is celebrated locally with a parade that typically begins at 10 a.m. around 95 Park Street and makes its way down Park Street, ending in Pope Park by the recreation center. The parade is not sprawling, but it features three camels, which is the reason to come out for it.

January 6-8th

The annual Boar’s Head Festival at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church is theatrical, featuring tumblers, dancers, and lots of live animals (geese, camel, etc.). Reserving a seat in advance is advised.

January 7th

This will be the Soul Merchants‘ last gig. Ever. Sully’s.

January 8th

On most Sundays through the end of April, there will be a free Baby Grand Jazz music series at the Hartford Public Library. This begins at 3pm and lasts an hour. Eri Yamamoto is scheduled to perform on the first day of this series.

January 8-10th

The raved about Martha Marcy May Marlene will be playing at Cinestudio.

January 9th

The tradition of The Vagina Monologues continues. Women wishing to participate in this year’s production can show up at the Charter Oak Cultural Center at 6:30pm for the open call. The actual performances will take place in early February.

January 11th

Inescapable Rhythms: Local writer Julia Pistell will be reading from her new non-fiction work. This free event begins at 7 p.m. at Real Art Ways.

January 13th

At La Paloma Sabanera, a comedy improv mixer at 8 p.m., which if you don’t know, is sort of like an open mic, but different. You can participate or just watch from a (sort of) safe distance.

January 16th

Martin Luther King Jr., Community Day at the Wadsworth Atheneum is always popular. There will be a quilting demonstration this year. The day of children-centered activities is free.

January 20-February 26th

If you do not have protest fatigue yet, you can go watch a play about societal change. Sty of the Blind Pig is set in 1950’s South Side of Chicago. There will be a free show for college students and faculty on February 4th. To reserve your seat, call Theaterworks at 860.527.7838.

January 23rd

HYPE recently began a series of free monthly meet-ups for entrepreneurs who want to give and receive advice, rather than merely socialize. In January, they will be meeting from 6-8pm at Vito’s by the Park (26 Trumbull St.). HYPE members (and nonmembers) are both welcome to attend, network, and bounce ideas off one another.

January 26th

Burlesque is pure fun, for those watching and for those performing. The Beat City Beauties will be performing at Sully’s at 9pm. If you have not seen them yet, make sure you do. Even the “censored” PG-13 show they did was hilarious, with rubber duckies glued to bras.

January 27th

There will be an evening open mic at La Paloma Sabanera.

January 28th

Thurston Moore kicks off his national tour in the Aetna Theater of the Wadsworth Atheneum at 7pm. $20 in advance/$25 at door. But, it’s Thurston Moore! You can make a rock day of it by hitting the Patti Smith exhibit tour earlier in the afternoon.

Weekends in January

Cinema City (at the Palace) is doing a “salute to Elizabeth Taylor” by featuring four of her films this month: National Velvet, Father of the Bride, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Sure, you could watch any of those on Netflix, but some actors are too glamorous to be viewed on the laptop screen.

Is there anything not on this list that should be?

By the way, January is National Oatmeal Month. Celebrate by reading The Oatmeal.