Live graffiti demo at Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival

This monthly event listing includes arts and entertainment, civic engagement, academic, cultural, wellness, and other types of activities happening in Hartford during April. There is no intent to include all events — it’s curated, with preference given to what the widest range of Hartford residents can afford (free or low cost) and what sounds most interesting to us.

This information is accurate as of publication to the best of our knowledge. Keep in mind that events are sometimes cancelled or postponed, and that incorrect details are at times given to us. Verify with the venue if you are concerned about last minute surprises.

To get an event published for next month, send details to realhartford@gmail.com by April 25th. Nothing is added after the calendar is published.

April 1

  • Perlas de Sabiduría: A Perspective on Latina Leadership in CT – at The 224 (224 Farmington Ave.), 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. This is a free day of talks. Ingrid Alvarez the Connecticut State Director of Hispanic Federation is giving a keynote at 9:30 about “The Diversity Pipeline.” There will be a plenary session at 9:45 called Personalismo: “Latinas: The Great Communicators.”  A second plenary session scheduled for 11 is called Gravitas: “Moving Towards Leadership.” A panel discussion is scheduled for the afternoon. Registration is required to attend the event. 
  • Starting today, the Connecticut Fair Housing Center will be displaying photo stories from Connecticut residents, along with student posters, in the Northeast Corridor of the Legislative Office Building.
  • Opening reception for Elements of Creation, a solo exhibition by Sarah Paolucci. The artist says: “In this series, these oil paintings tell the story of each artist/musician/craftsperson. I am painting hands, which are creating their own narrative. I am merely giving them a platform to display their knowledge. Hands are how we interact with the world around us, and connect us to the physical and the sensory. Hands that are playing, building, digging, planting, making or creating intrigue me; the creation of one’s own loving art, made with the tools that we all possess. From musicians in the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, to potters, to hair stylists, to chefs, each story is different, and yet each is just as sincere. These paintings portray genuine artists, doing what they love.” The reception is from 6-8 p.m. in the ArtWalk Gallery, located on the third floor of Hartford Public Library. Free.
  • The Mouth: April Fool’s – Stories About Getting Duped. This is a live storytelling event in which the speakers tell true stories and use no notes. This is $5 to attend; free if you are one of the storytellers. Contact HartfordMouth@gmail.com for more information. This begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Mark Twain House & Museum.
  • Fools Fall in Love: A musical cabaret in support of Night Fall 2016. Enjoy live music (Steve Mitchell and his band: Dan Campolieta, piano; Lou Bocciarelli, bass; Charlie Dye, drums with featured vocalists Christen Hernandez, LB Muñoz and more) while supporting this year’s production of Night Fall. It’s $40 to attend just the musical portion of the evening. 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral (45 Church Street).
  • Spring Dance:  They say: “Directed by Lesley Farlow, this show is a celebration of student choreography and dancing. Featuring works by guest choreographers Pam Newell and David Llorca, curated by Lesley Farlow, and performed by Trinity students.” This is in the Austin Arts Center at Trinity College. Free, but tickets are required: (860) 297-2199. Performance at 7:30 p.m.

April 2

  • She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry: at Cinestudio at 2 p.m. They say: “Beginning with the founding of N.O.W., with ladies in hats and gloves, to the emergence of more radical and feuding factions of women’s liberation, the film celebrates the women who fought for their own equality, and in the process created a world-wide revolution. That story still resonates today for all women who are facing new challenges around reproductive rights, equal pay, and sexual violence.” Director Mary Dore will make an appearance at the screening. General admission: $9.
  • Hartford Stage is bringing Aladdin Kids to Classical Magnet School (85 Woodland Street) for a 2 p.m. performance. They say: “Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Disney’s Aladdin Kids. is sure to send audiences soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with romance and adventure. When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a genie’s magic power to become a prince in order to marry her.  But will his plan be ruined by the villainous Jafar?  In his journey to defeat Jafar and win Jasmine’s heart, Aladdin discovers a “whole new world” in this musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love.”  Tickets are $10.
  • New Work — BFA Sculpture Exhibition opening at the Silpe Gallery, 200 Bloomfield Avenue. 5-8 p.m. Seven artists’ works will be on display. Free.
  • Spring Dance:  They say: “Directed by Lesley Farlow, this show is a celebration of student choreography and dancing. Featuring works by guest choreographers Pam Newell and David Llorca, curated by Lesley Farlow, and performed by Trinity students.” This is in the Austin Arts Center at Trinity College. Free, but tickets are required: (860) 297-2199. Performance at 7:30 p.m.
  • Batts vs. Zach: Battle for the Belt at Eightsixty Custom (41 Francis Ave.) — six performances. Starts at 8 p.m.

April 3

  • April in Paris at Cinestudio “opens with a 4K restoration of a classic silent film” —  L’inhumaine / The Inhuman Woman  —  “with musical accompaniment by pianist Patrick Miller from the Hartt School of Music. L’Herbier’s film of an opera singer who can enchant her listeners was created as a synthesis of music, design, acting, and dance, to celebrate the new art of film.” Stay for coffee and pastries following the film. This begins at 2:30 p.m. Inquire for ticket prices.
  • The Ray Gonzalez Latin Jazz Quartet will play in the Hartford Public Library’s atrium from 3-4 p.m. as part of the Baby Grand Jazz series. This is a free performance.
  • April in Paris at Cinestudio continues with a screening of La collectionneuse / The Collector at 7:30 p.m. They say: “A womanizing art dealer and a painter find the peace of their Riviera vacation disturbed by a third guest, a mysterious young woman who shows up every night with a different lover. Can collecting erotic experiences be the same as collecting works of art or is it an art form of its own?” Inquire for ticket prices. 

April 4

Hartford Improv Festival: April 8-10
  • Hartford Rising! and the D.U.E. Justice Coalition have organized a Fairness for the 99% march starting at Emanuel Lutheran Church at Capitol and Hungerford. They say: “Join Unity, Equality and Democracy Connecticut and Hartford Rising! as we hold politicians accountable for fighting for all of us. The coalition will issue report cards based on how legislators have voted and then march to the State Capitol Building to directly hold our lawmakers accountable.” The march begins at 5 p.m. and will conclude at the State Capitol with a rally.
  • Bikes vs. Cars: Admission varies for this film at Real Art Ways. At 6 p.m., talk with reps from various bike, pedestrian, and mass transit organizations. Film starts at 7:20. They say this about the film: “Climate change and never-ending gridlock frustrates people more than ever. Instead of whining, people in cities around the world take on the bicycle as a Do-It-Yourself solution. Road rage and poor city planning creates daily death amongst the bicyclists. And now they demand safe lanes. It’s an uneven fight. Activists and politicians that work for change are facing a multi-billion dollar car, oil and construction industry that use all their means to keep society car dependent. We know that the world needs radical changes to save the climate and the environment, but the car industry is selling more cars than ever. Today there are one billion cars in the world. By 2020, that number will double. The film will follow the individuals around the world that are fighting to create change.” Real Art Ways is located at 56 Arbor Street.
  • The Mark Twain House & Museum will be hosting a film and discussion as part of the Hartford Jewish Film Festival: Are You Joking?  is the feature film, and The Ten Plagues, a short film, will also screen. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15 at the door. 7 p.m.
  • April in Paris at Cinestudio continues with a screening of L’enlèvement de Michel Houellebecq / The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq at 7:30 p.m. They say: “A comedy based on the false rumor that real-life author Michel Houellebecq was kidnapped by three men, who debated with him about everything from political genocide to French poetry while awaiting their ransom. Although it was only a lack of internet service that kept the writer from communicating with his friends, the rumor was much more amusing, and makes for a delightful portrait of the misanthropic writer.”  Inquire for ticket pricing.
  • Hartford Jazz Jam at Black-eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum St.). 8-11 p.m. Free.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern (Go to Arch Street. Look for the tavern.) every Monday night starting at 8. No cover.
  • Every Monday night is Vinyl Night at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Ave.). From 8 p.m. on, listen to what local guest DJs select. No cover, but if you want local businesses to stay open and for DJs to get paid, order something.

April 5

Rakim will be headlining the Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival
  • Mayor Bronin will be meeting with the public about the 2016-2017 City Budget. All our welcome to attend. Tonight’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. and is at the West Indian Social Club, 3340 Main Street.
  • April in Paris at Cinestudio continues with a screening of Dans la maison / In The House at 7:30 p.m. They say: ” burnt-out writer and teacher is impressed by his sixteen-year-old student Claude’s essays about a friend’s ‘perfect’ family. As the student insinuates himself into the family for more material, it is actual life, and not art, that goes awry.”  Inquire for ticket pricing.

April 6

  • Harriet Beecher Stowe Center’s Stowe Salons at Lunch today focuses on intergenerational differences among African Americans with featured guests from the Hartford Stage production of Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years. This free event is from 12-1 p.m. Contact Info@StoweCenter.org or 860-522-9258, ext. 317. to reserve your seat.
  • Anida Yoeu Ali will deliver the lecture “Transcending the In-Between: A Lecture, Performance, and Visual Experience of Hybridity, Otherness, and Exiled Bodies” at 4:30 in the Trinity College Chapel. Free and open to the public.
  • Get HYPEd at City Steam Brewery (942 Main St.). This is a free networking event for young professionals and entrepreneurs. This month there is a collection of canned goods for the Chrysalis Center. Items most needed: canned tuna, soup, tomato sauce, condiments, canned vegetables, boxed or bagged rice, boxed or bagged cereal, boxed pancake mix, and syrup. This is a business casual event. Bring business cards to exchange. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • April in Paris at Cinestudio continues with a screening of Parce que j’étais peintre / Because I Was A Painter at 7:30 p.m. They say: ” A moving documentary on the paintings and drawing created by prisoners in Nazi concentration camps, which explores the desire for making art in a place of horror. Contains interviews with survivors, and the rarely-seen artwork that expresses humanity in a place where brutality reigns.” Inquire for ticket pricing.

April 7

  • Today marks the start of the 11th annual Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival at Trinity College. You can sit in on a session of MUSC 133: Blues Women to Nikki Minaj from 9:25-10:50 a.m. in Terrace Room B & C to catch the day’s lecture: “Hallowed be thy Hip-Hop: Rude Girls, B-Girls, Empresses and Fiyah Mumas. Hip-Hop and reggae as a tool to articulate womanhood and spirituality” with Tanya “Muneera” Williams from Poetic Pilgrimage.” In the same location, immediately following, is SOCL 241: Mass Media + Pop Culture with “Bad Raputation: How corporations and high profile individuals are adversely affecting public perception of hip hop music and culture” with Manny Faces.” At 12:15 p.m. — same location — catch a panel discussion on “Who’s World is This?: Hip Hop’s Global Impact on Education and Youth Engagement.” There’s spoken word later in the evening. All free. All open to the public.
  • Opening reception for Cardinal Points, paintings by Lindsey Fyfe. Stop by 100 Pearl Street Gallery, 5-7 p.m. to enjoy the art, wine, and snacks.
  • Attend a free community forum — Beating Diabetes: Food, Fitness, and Focus — at Chrysalis Center, 255 Homestead Ave. 5-7:30 p.m. There is on-site parking. Spanish translation provided.
  • Sound Healing for Stress: the Toivo Center (399 Franklin Ave.) will be hosting an hour of relaxation. They say: “In sound healing, we use the relaxing vibrations of the crystal singing bowls to relieve stress, uplift the spirit, relax the body and quiet the mind. Quartz crystal singing bowls have been found to positively affect the body on many levels. The vibrations soothe the nervous system and invite the release of tight muscles, anxiety, PTSD and depression.” We say, well, it can’t hurt. Plus, they will be serving organic chocolates. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free, but a $5 donation is suggested.
  • Charter Oak Cultural Center is hosting The Guy Mendilow Ensemble and “Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom.” They say: “A queen who runs away with her slave, joining her fate to her beloved servant’s. Brides who abandon their weddings and join a shipful of sailors. Men who go courting, only to get taunted or tossed down a well. These wild rides and fantastic yarns spring from Ladino tradition, from songs and stories carried by Sephardic Jews as they moved from Spain and settled along the Mediterranean’s northern coast to Greece and Turkey. In multicultural metropolises like Sarajevo, in picturesque island towns like Rhodes, Jewish culture-bearers recounted the romantic escapades and derring do of a cast of characters worthy of a cutthroat fantasy novel.” This show is from 7-10 p.m. General admission: $15.
  • April in Paris at Cinestudio continues with a screening of Abus de faiblesse / Abuse Of Weakness at 7:30 p.m. They say: “Catherine Breillat’s semi-autobiographical story follows a filmmaker (played by the incomparable Isabelle Huppert) recovering from a stroke, who hires a rapper (Kool Shen) to star in her next movie. When he turns out to be a con man, the power struggle – and erotic tension – begins.” Inquire for ticket pricing.
  • Tonight is the premiere of Gross Domestic Product, a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt and directed by Rachel Alderman. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.
  • The POSSM and friends at Peppercorns for First Thursdays!: Live originals and covers from 8:30-10 p.m. at Peppercorn’s Grill (357 Main St.). No cover. With any luck, someone on City Council will pop in to play with the band.

April 8

  • Leadership Greater Hartford is hosting a 40th anniversary breakfast forum: It’s Broken — Let’s Fix It. This 7:30 a.m. event at the Hilton (315 Trumbull St.) will feature author Mark Gerzon.They say: “Gerzon, author of the recently released The Reunited States of America, will lead an interactive discussion about how to rebuild lost trust and bring people together for mutual understanding, connection, and collaboration.” $40 general, $30 student.
  • Day Two of the Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival kicks off with lectures around 10 a.m. At 3:15 p.m. there will be a screening of Hip Hop Hijabis with Poetic Pilgrimage. Amer Ahmed will deliver a keynote at 4:30 p.m. on “Islam and Hip Hop as a Mode of Resistance and Liberation.” Catch dance battles from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. The festival is free and open to the public. Check out the event website for details and exact event locations.
  • The first meeting of SURJ Hartford (Showing Up for Racial Justice) will take place at Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Avenue. They say: “White racial justice activists need connection to sustain courage and hope. We need to know there are other white people, like us, who will take risks, make mistakes, and learn. We need other white people to lean on when we are discouraged, and to share our excitement with! Racial justice movements, including Black Lives Matter and others, need a constituency of accountable white racial justice activists who are connected, hopeful, and many.” Registration and refreshment time begins at 5:30 p.m. Introduction, community building, etc. starts at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to wrap up around 8. Contact Jason Fredlund: jason.fredlund@gmail.com or Liz Castle: eliz.castle@gmail.com for more information.
  • Read It and Sleep: Dragons Love Tacos — Kids get some hot chocolate and cookies, get to be read to, and then get to take home a free copy of this book by Adam Rubin. This free event starts at 7 p.m. at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Ave.).
  • Milonga Mariposa at Hartford Ballroom, 56 Arbor Street. This begins with an Argentine Tango lesson at 7:30 p.m. Dancing continues late into the evening. They say guests are welcome (but not required) to bring their own food and drink. $10.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.
  • April in Paris at Cinestudio continues with a screening of a Grotte des rêves perdus / The Cave Of Forgotten Dreams at 7:30 p.m. They say: “Director Herzog’s ever-curious spirit inspires his quest to film the oldest visual artwork known to have been created by humans, discovered deep in the Chauvet Cave in southeastern France. While the 30,000 year old paintings are a revelation, it is the director’s desire to find the moment of humans’ first creative impulse that gives his film a sense of awe.” Inquire for ticket pricing.

April 9

  • Toivo kicks off its 6-week men’s group Building Resilience today, 10 a.m. – 12 noon. They say: “Develop new coping skills that will help you manage the unexpected events that life may throw your way and apply your energy to the things that matter most to you!” This meets for six consecutive Saturdays. Toivo is located at 399 Franklin Avenue. Kelvin Young will be facilitating.
  • Free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Expect some hands-on arts and crafts activities and an appearance by Sea Tea Improv.
  • The City of Hartford’s Youth Services presents the “Youth 4 Change Conference” as part of the Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival. this is from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Check the festival website for details on location.
  • Hartford Stage is bringing Mr. Toad’s Mad Adventures to Classical Magnet (85 Woodland St.)  for a 2 p.m. performance. They say: “In this delightful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s book The Wind in the Willows, Toad of Toad Hall is an eccentric but likable chap given to ’crazes.’ His latest craze involves motorcars.  Unfortunately, he smashes them up as fast as he gets them.  He even steals one for a wild ride over the countryside.  Naturally, this gets him into a great deal of trouble.  His dear friends Badger, Rat, and Mole do their best to help, but their efforts aren’t enough, and Toad ends up in prison…  after an uproarious courtroom scene.  His imprisonment couldn’t please his enemies, the weasels, more, as they quickly take over Toad Hall and trash the place.  After the jailer’s daughter helps Toad escape from prison, he and his friends devise a clever scheme to recapture Toad Hall from the weasels once and for all!” Tickets are $10.
  • More from the Trinity International Hip-Hop Festival: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. watch and participate in live graffiti demos. Listen to “Mama C” Charlotte Hill O’Neal’s keynote “A Black Panther’s Philosophy Forged in Africa” at 4 p.m. Watch Shake the Dust, a film, at 5 p.m. Enjoy the Hip Hop Concert featuring Rakim, Joyner Lucas, Poetic Pilgrimage, Prop Dylan, Revolution Records, Cosmic Homies with DJ Boo and co-hosted by Maimouna Youssef and Tang Sauce, from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. All events are free and open to the public.
  • April in Paris at Cinestudio concludes today! At 2:30 p.m. there is a screening of Un jour Pina a demandé / One Day Pina Asked…. There is a closing wine and cheese reception at 7 p.m. with Sembene! screening at 8 p.m.  Inquire for ticket pricing.
  • 18th Annual Ted Hershey Dance & Music Marathon: The dance concert featuring over a dozen companies and ensembles starts at 7 p.m. at Charter Oak Cultural Center. $25 general admission.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.

April 10

  • The Unitarian Society of Hartford (50 Bloomfield Ave.) is hosting a Refugee Cultural Competency Training so that Syrian, Iraqi, Afghani, and Muslim refugees might be understood as families with these backgrounds can be appropriately welcomed to the area. This begins at 12:30 and concludes around 5:30 p.m. Registration requested.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 2 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.
  • Sambeleza brings jazzy Brazilian songs to the Hartford Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. This is part of the Baby Grand Jazz series.

April 11

  • BIKE LIFE — HARTFORD! Bicycle Maintenance and Safety Class: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Center for Latino Progress (95 Park St.). This is for youth age 10-19. Registration is required and space is limited, but this is totally free. Those who complete this basic safety course will receive a free upcycled bicycle, helmet, light, and lock at the festival on April 16.  For more information or to register, contact: Tony Cherolis — tony_cherolis@ctprf.org, 860-204-2704.
  • Leadership Greater Hartford’s Leaders on Board orientation is tonight, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at 31 Pratt St., 5th floor. They say this program “matches people like you (leaders who care about this community and are willing to share their skills and perspectives to serve organizations they believe in) with non-profits looking for talented, resourceful,passionate people to serve on their Boards of Directors.” This is a two-day experience, with the second part on April 25th. You must attend this orientation to be eligible for Express Match, but attending does not automatically make you eligible. $20 for non-members, $10 for HYPE members.
  • Every Monday night is Vinyl Night at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Ave.). From 8 p.m. on, listen to what local guest DJs select. No cover, but if you want local businesses to stay open and for DJs to get paid, order something.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern every Monday night starting at 8. No cover.

April 12

  • BIKE LIFE — HARTFORD! Bicycle Maintenance and Safety Class: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Parker Memorical Center (2621 Main St.). This is for youth age 10-19. Registration is required and space is limited, but this is totally free. Those who complete this basic safety course will receive a free upcycled bicycle, helmet, light, and lock at the festival on April 16.  For more information or to register, contact: Tony Cherolis — tony_cherolis@ctprf.org, 860-204-2704.
  • Kiran Desai, author of The Inheritance of Loss, will be giving a reading at the Smith House on the campus of Trinity College. A reception and book signing follows. This event begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

April 13

  • BIKE LIFE — HARTFORD! Bicycle Maintenance and Safety Class: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Pope Park Rec Center (30 Pope Park Dr.). This is for youth age 10-19. Registration is required and space is limited, but this is totally free. Those who complete this basic safety course will receive a free upcycled bicycle, helmet, light, and lock at the festival on April 16.  For more information or to register, contact: Tony Cherolis — tony_cherolis@ctprf.org, 860-204-2704.
  • Watch Grapes of Wrath at the Hartford Public Library. Free. 5:30 p.m.
  • If you’ve ever thought about becoming a foster parent, stop by Village South (331 Wethersfield Ave.) to learn more about the process, 6-8 p.m. This is an informational meeting. No commitment necessary.
  • Green Drinks Hartford: this monthly happy hour for people interested in environmental issues will be at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro (32 Front St.) tonight, 6-8 p.m. This is a chance to network and to hear from David Desiderato, campaign manager for the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, at 7. Free to attend.
  • Drumming instructor Jan Gregory will lead an African drumming session starting at 7 p.m. Beginners are welcome. Bring your own drum if possible, or contact Jan ( 203-206-0718 ) in advance if you’d like to borrow one. This takes place at 76 Sherman Street, across from the main Hartford Seminary building. You can park in lot next to 77 Sherman. Free.

April 14

  • KNOW GOOD Market is back — 5-8 p.m. at 30-50 Bartholomew Avenue. Stop by for live music, food trucks, and fresh produce from KNOX.
  • Against Forgetting: Poetry of Witness, with Carolyn Forché. Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Ave.) opens its doors at 6:30 p.m. for light refreshments. An open mic starts at 7, with poems encouraged to be aligned with the evening’s theme. Featured poet, Carolyn Forché, will read following the open mic. Free.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.
  • Great Expectations: Jerry Winters directs Gale Childs Daly’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel at Trinity College’s Austin Arts Center. Tickets are free, but tickets are required: 860) 297-2199. Performance at 7:30 p.m.

April 15

  • Last chance to see the Connecticut Fair Housing Center’s display of photo stories from Connecticut residents, along with student posters, in the Northeast Corridor of the Legislative Office Building.
  • BIKE LIFE — HARTFORD! Bicycle Maintenance and Safety Class: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Artists’ Collective (1200 Albany Ave.). This is for youth age 10-19. Registration is required and space is limited, but this is totally free. Those who complete this basic safety course will receive a free upcycled bicycle, helmet, light, and lock at the festival on April 16.  For more information or to register, contact: Tony Cherolis — tony_cherolis@ctprf.org, 860-204-2704.
  • Great Expectations: Jerry Winters directs Gale Childs Daly’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel at Trinity College’s Austin Arts Center. Tickets are free, but tickets are required: 860) 297-2199. Performances today at  4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
  • Young Women Rising is hosting a networking event for women age 18-35, at The Russell (corner of Pratt and Trumbull) from 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Attendees are asked to bring a donation of tampons, pads, or other feminine hygiene products to be donated to #ProjectPeriod.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.

April 16

April 23rd at Cinestudio
  • Being part of a community means giving back, not just sitting back. For those inclined to dig in the dirt, here is a chance to have fun while making some improvements in a lesser known area of Pope Park. Gather at Pope Park Highway and Park Street to clean up the area, plant trees, and spread mulch. This is from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact Nicola, Community Outreach Manager for KNOX at (860) 951-7694 or nicolaa@knoxhartford.org.
  • Hartford Blooms will be offering two Hartford “Bulb-a-Mania” tours today. The first is from 9 a.m. – noon; the second from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The garden tours begin and end at Tangiers (550 Farmington Ave.) and cost $25 per person.
  • Mothers United Against Violence is holding its eighth annual march and rally, starting at 9:30 a.m. Gather near Keney Memorial Tower at Albany Avenue and Main Street and march to City Hall where a rally will follow.
  • BIKE LIFE — HARTFORD! Festival — customize your bike helmet, compete in bike mechanic skill races, apply for summer youth employment, and more. Those who successfully completed the safety and maintenance course earlier this week can receive their free bike and swag. 12-4 p.m. at Heaven Skate Park. 100-150 youth and young adults are expected to attend.
  • Great Expectations: Jerry Winters directs Gale Childs Daly’s adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel at Trinity College’s Austin Arts Center. Tickets are free, but tickets are required: 860) 297-2199. Performances today at  4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
  • Community Skate Night at Koeppel Community Sports Center, 175 New Britain Avenue. This is from 6-9 p.m.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.

April 17

  • Last chance for Sex with Strangers at TheaterWorks. Tickets range from $40-65, general. Student tickets are $15.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 2 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.
  • As part of the Baby Grand Jazz series, TRIchrO  will be performing at the Hartford Public Library for free from 3-4 p.m.

April 18

  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern every Monday night starting at 8. No cover.
  • Every Monday night is Vinyl Night at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Ave.). From 8 p.m. on, listen to what local guest DJs select. No cover, but if you want local businesses to stay open and for DJs to get paid, order something.

April 19

  • The West End Civic Association’s SouthWest Sector is having a pub crawl starting at the Spigot (Prospect Avenue and West Boulevard) at 6 p.m. Other stops may include Beacon Cafe, Wood-n-Tap, South Whitney Pizza, and The Half Door. Call or text Max (860-989-0045) if you want to join late and know where everyone is. Alcohol consumption is not required.

April 20

  • Not already oversaturated with I-84 (re)planning? There’s another public working session today, noon-8 p.m. The Public Advisory Committee Meetings is from 12-1:30 p.m.; “Capped Highway and East Coast Greenway Discussion” is from 1:30-3 p.m.; there is a Youth Open House from 3-6 p.m.; and the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Working Group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. This takes place at Parker Memorial Community Center, 2621 Main Street. This is open to the public all day.
  • Participate in civic life by bringing your informed perspective to a working session of the Planning & Zoning Commission. The topic up for discussion: the number of unrelated persons in a household.  This will be at 6 p.m. in the Hartford Public Library.
  • Watch Food Chains at Hartford Public Library, 5:30 p.m. Free.
  • The Heart City Story Club meets again in Hartford Public Library, 6-8 p.m. All are welcome to join in this monthly storytelling open mic night in the Hartford History Center. Free.
  • Drumming instructor Jan Gregory will lead an African drumming session starting at 7 p.m. Beginners are welcome. Bring your own drum if possible, or contact Jan ( 203-206-0718 ) in advance if you’d like to borrow one. This takes place at 76 Sherman Street, across from the main Hartford Seminary building. You can park in lot next to 77 Sherman. Free.
  • Syllable Reading Series: The City — They say: “Writers: we need your pieces inspired by the words “In the City” whatever that means to you. Go bananas. Poetry, prose, sketches, skits, short plays, songs– every genre is fair game as long as you do your literary best.” There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door. This happens at Hartford Prints! (42 Pratt Street).

April 21

  • Another day of I-84 discussions kicks off at 9 a.m. at Parker Memorial Community Center, 2621 Main Street. The Urban Design Working Group meets from 9-10:30; Traffic and Parking Working Group meets from 1-2:30; and Youth Open House is from 3-5 p.m.
  • The Connecticut Fair Housing Center will be holding a community conversation on “Housing Integration in the Years Since Yonkers” at Hilton Homewood Suites (338 Asylum St.), first floor. Lisa Belkin, Wildaliz Bermudez, Jack Dougherty, and Jelani Cobb will be participating in this discussion. 3:30 p.m. Free.
  • The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest St.) is hosting a discussion, “Combatting Environmental Racism” from 5:30-7p.m. Rev. Kari Nicewander of Immanuel Congregational Church, Pastor Steve Camp of Faith Congregational Church and Sharon Lewis of Coalition for Environmental Justice will take part in this conversation. Free. Call 860-522-9258, x317  to reserve your seat.
  • ReSET (1429 Park St. Ste 114) is hosting an open mic night, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free to attend.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.

April 22

  • Take a ride on the carousel in Bushnell Park for $1. The carousel is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.

April 23

  • Participate in civic life by bringing your informed perspective to a working session of the Planning & Zoning Commission at 10 a.m. The topics up for discussion:Bed & Breakfasts, AirBnb, and Roomers/Boarders. The location is still up for discussion. Contact Lynda Crespo for updated info: CresL001@hartford.gov
  • The Dust Bowl, a four-hour documentary film, will screen at Hartford Public Library, starting at 11 a.m. Free.
  • Trashion Fashion: experience the sixth annual fashion show that they say “features wearable art made from materials that have been diverted from the waste stream.” This is in City Hall at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door.
  • Submit to Hartford: this alley cat bicycle race starts at Charter Oak Landing at 2:30, with riders gathering around 2 p.m. An alley cat is a race that’s kind of like a scavenger hunt. You are given some clues and you have to select your own route. The after party will be at Red Rock Tavern (Capitol and Lawrence). It’s $5 to enter, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
  • The fourth annual Reel Youth Hartford Film Festival starts at 5:30 p.m. at Cinestudio with a free, red carpet event. Hartford Proud drill team will be providing entertainment early on. A reception will follow in nearby Mather Hall. Fancy schmancy dress is optional, but encouraged.
  • The Center for Latino Progress (95 Park Street) will be hosting a gathering for Connecticut’s community bicycle programs to share information and best practices, and find ways to collaborate. Tony Cherolis of BiCi Co. and Paul Hammer of Bicycle Education, Enrichment, & Enrichment Programs  (New Haven) are the meeting’s organizers. Contact tony_cherolis@ctprf.org if you plan to attend this meeting, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • The Shakespeare Olden Globes Award Show will be held at Mark Twain House & Museum, 7-8:30 p.m. This event provides awards for Shakespeare’s most popular moments and has staged readings of Shakespeare and Shakespeare-themed works by Mark Twain. This marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. $15 general; $10 Mark Twain House members. To reserve tickets call (860) 280-3130.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.

April 24

  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 2 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.
  • Emery Austin Smith — born, raised, and still living in Hartford — closes out this season’s Baby Grand Jazz series. This free hour-long performance begins at 3 p.m. in the Hartford Public Library.
  • Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz performance at Infinity, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$30.

April 25

  • HYPE Leaders on Board: Express Match — this program of Leadership Greater Hartford matches leaders with non-profit boards. To participate today, you need to have already attended the orientation session on April 11. This is $25 for non-members and $15 for HYPE members. This meeting is at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro (32 Front St.)
  • Leslie G. Desmangles will deliver the lecture: “The People of the Lonely Star: The Jewish Diaspora in the Caribbean” at 7 p.m. in McCook Auditorium at Trinity College.
  • Every Monday night is Vinyl Night at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Ave.). From 8 p.m. on, listen to what local guest DJs select. No cover, but if you want local businesses to stay open and for DJs to get paid, order something.
  • Hartford Jazz Orchestra plays at Arch Street Tavern every Monday night starting at 8. No cover.

April 26

  • Vote! If you are registered as a Democrat or Republican, you can vote in today’s presidential primary election in Connecticut. 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. (same as it always is)
  • Trinity Jazz Ensemble will give a free performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Hall at Trinity College.

April 27

  • Hartford Prints! is hosting Design Night Out: Sound from 6-8 p.m. at 42 Pratt Street. Expect a panel discussion on sound and music performances.
  • Drumming instructor Jan Gregory will lead an African drumming session starting at 7 p.m. Beginners are welcome. Bring your own drum if possible, or contact Jan ( 203-206-0718 ) in advance if you’d like to borrow one. This takes place at 76 Sherman Street, across from the main Hartford Seminary building. You can park in lot next to 77 Sherman. Free.

April 28

Author Mark Gerzon will be at the Leadership Greater Hartford breakfast on April 8, 2016
  • Film 101 continues at Real Art Ways with a screening of Close-Up at 11:30 a.m. Ticket prices range, with maximum cost being $11. A conversation is part of this series.
  • Workers Memorial Day: Connecticut AFL-CIO and the Health & Safety Committee will hold a memorial ceremony at the State Capitol at 5 p.m. with a wreath ceremony a short walk away in Bushnell Park. Rain or shine.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.

April 29

  • The Wadsworth Atheneum’s 35th Annual Fine Arts & Flowers begins today, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. This fundraiser brings flower arrangements inspired by art into the museum. The CT Lyric Opera will give a performance today at noon. A $3 surcharge is added to admission.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.
  • Free concert at Ducks on the Ave (572 Farmington Ave.) with Island of Doubt and The Professors of Sweet, Sweet Music, and also music brought to you by DJ Whitney Bobby. This starts at 8 p.m.

April 30

  • The Great Park Pursuit kicks off by the pond in Keney Park, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Expect family-centered nature hikes, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and more. Free!
  • The Wadsworth Atheneum’s 35th Annual Fine Arts & Flowers continues today, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This fundraiser brings flower arrangements inspired by art into the museum. The CT Lyric Opera will give a performance today at noon. At 2 p.m. there will be floral arrangement lessons provided by four local professionals. A $3 surcharge is added to admission.
  • Bring the kiddies by Hartford Prints! to make Mother’s Day cards and crafts. All supplies are included. There’s a suggested $5 donation. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Gross Domestic Product is a musical written by Hartford-based playwright Julia Rosenblatt. They say: “When a trailblazing senator holds a public forum to unveil her new economic agenda for mothers in America, she is slapped with realities that are far more harsh than she could have imagined. Gross Domestic Product is a musical about motherhood that traverses the heartfelt as well as the outrageous, while examining what this ‘labor of love’ is actually worth to society.” The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. General admission: $25.