February 1

  • Origami Presentation: Paper sculptor artist Benjamin Parker will give a demonstration at the giant bench inside of Hartford Public Library. This is located near the new books on the library’s main floor. Free. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Get HYPEd, the monthly casual networking event for young professionals and entrepreneurs, will be at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum St.), 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free event. Bring your business cards!
  • MakeHartford Open House with Show & Tell – check out the space, speak to makers, show what you’re doing – 6:30-9 p.m. at 30 Arbor Street, B7.

February 2

  • Understanding Your Startup’s Impact: This free event is from 5-6:30 p.m. at ReSET (1429 Park St.). They say: “Join us as we explore the complex world of “impact business models”. This workshop is designed to help both entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs understand the impact that their business can create, and design systems to measure and evaluate their impact.” Register online.
  • Twang Thursdays: Wise Old Moon performs folk-rock-Americana at Hog River Brewing Co. (1429 Park St.), 5-7 p.m.  $5 admission.
  • Art After Dark: The Lure of Japan — Taiko drummers, origami workshop, food, and more at Wadsworth Atheneum, 5-8 p.m. Artist Valeska Soares will talk about MATRIX 176 at 7. Shall We Dance? screens at 8. Tickets are $10 general, $5 members at the door.
  • Opening reception for Draw a Hartford History-maker: See portraits of “black visionaries and changemakers in our city” at the Hartford History Center, located in Hartford Public Library. 6-7:30 p.m. Free.
  • The POSSM and friends: live originals and covers from The Professors of Sweet Sweet Music. This is at Peppercorn’s  (357 Main St.), 8-10 p.m. No charge!

February 3

  • Gratitude During Challenging Times: An Antidote to Anxiety — Laura Le will facilitate this workshop at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.). They say: “During a crisis, practicing gratitude is a powerful way to provide you with perspective so you aren’t overwhelmed by temporary circumstances.” 10-11:30 a.m. Suggested $5 donation, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
  • Art: Local artist Chris Porter will provide instruction and demonstration in basic art principles, including shape, space, and shading. All supplies will be provided and no registration necessary. This is at the bench inside the Hartford Public Library. 11-1 p.m. Free.

February 4

  • Paint: Volunteer at the Burns School (195 Putnam St.) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. They say: “No artistic talent required – this is all about the journey with the student (and the paint)! You’ll paint side-by-side with one of our participating students where you’ll informally mentor the student by learning about each other while you paint. Our goal is about the relationship – not getting the paint job done quickly – our kids are learning the skills to be workforce ready. And, you can help. We’d love a donation from each volunteer, if possible, to underwrite the cost of lunch for you and the kids.”
  • Free admission to the Connecticut Historical Society museum galleries (1 Elizabeth St.), 9-5. Kids can make old-fashioned Valentine’s Day cards, 10-1.
  • Core with a Twist Yoga: There is a $5 suggested donation for this class at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.), 1-3 p.m. They say: “you will twist yourself silly with Esmeralda De Pal while elongating, rotating, and squeezing away tension. Using the core to get stronger and have more integrity in asana poses. You will experience the role of effort and hard work as well as the importance of deep relaxation and letting go after with sound healing by Kelvin Young.”
  • Encounters: Declaration of Independence — They say: “Hartford Public Library, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, and the University of Connecticut’s Humanities Institute embark on a community engagement partnership to present the Encounters series, focused on encouraging informed and informal conversations about issues that affect our lives. The aim is to strengthen our ability to know ourselves and one another, and develop a forum for respectful and challenging dialogue.” There is a reception at 3 p.m. in the Hartford Courant Room of Wadsworth Atheneum, with discussion following, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Read the document in advance.
  • Chatterbox: Improv Meets Storytelling — This event at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) begins at 9 p.m. They say: “we’ll all hear some compelling stories for the first time, and then our improvisers spin the ideas and themes from those stories into some awesome comedy scenes for you! Sometimes the stories are from a special guest, sometimes we’ll ask the audience for stories, sometimes a professional storyteller, or sometimes it’s our own improvisers — but any way it goes, you get a little bit of improv and a little bit of storytelling! Our guest for this show is poet Mind.Evolution. AKA Tracy Caldwell! She has performed on major stages across the U.S. from the Apollo in Harlem, NY, Limelight Stage in Boston, MA, Apache in Alanta, GA and Anthology in San Diego, CA.” Tickets are $10. Sea Tea has Pay It Forward tickets available in the box office for anyone who would like to attend but is broke this month.

February 5

  • Kundalini Yoga at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.) 12-1:30 p.m. They say: “Through a blend of postures, mantras, mudras, pranayama, and meditation that are combined to created sets known as kriyas, energy is generated to access higher consciousness and inner radiance.” Suggested $5 donation.
  • Baby Grand Jazz: The Afro-Semitic Experience will be sharing their music in the Center for Contemporary Culture at Hartford Public Library, 3-4 p.m. They say: “The group celebrates the musical and cultural heritage of the African and Jewish diasporas.” Free.
  • Games Night at Make Hartford (30 Arbor St.), 6-8 p.m. This month’s game will be “Citadel” if 5-7 players arrive. If not, an alternative game will be suggested. Prior experience with the game is not required.

February 6

  • Ride for Resistance: Red Warrior and Mothers Against Meth Alliance, who have been fighting the Dakota Access Pipeline, will be making at appearance at Unitarian Society Hartford (50 Bloomfield Ave.), 7-9 p.m.
  • (West Hartford event) Yair Rosenberg, a “target of online harassment and anti-Semitic threats during the 2016 Presidential campaign,” will be speaking about his experience and giving advice for how to shut down Internet trolls. This is at Beth El Temple (2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford), 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and registration needs to happen by February 1.
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a lively performance every Monday at Arch Street Tavern, 8 p.m. Free.

February 7

Pic taken at the 2016 Art Sled Derby
Pic taken at the 2016 Art Sled Derby
  • The Case of Oscar Lopez Rivera — They say: “Lopez Rivera’s prison sentence will end on May 17, 2017. Join us for a discussion led by Professor Jorge Limeres on Oscar Lopez Rivera’s case and topic of seditious conspiracy.” This free event at the Hartford History Center in Hartford Public Library begins at 5:30 p.m. The program will be in Spanish.
  • AdL Game Night: from 6-10 p.m. at Real Art Ways. They say: “Come out and join the regular Real Art Ways gamers, and a few members of the ANTI-diVision League, as we partake in the friendly battles.” Bring a favorite game or use what’s available. Free.
  • Civics 101: This HYPE event will be at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro on Front Street. They say: “Civics 101 Trivia is back, and this time, we’re testing your knowledge about Connecticut! From how a bill gets submitted to how processes differ from other States, this quiz will be all about the Nutmeg State. The Civic Engagement Committee invites you to join a team (up to 4 players) or go at it alone for your chance to win a great prize!” Appetizers will be provided. Registration required: $25 general; $15 HYPE members. 6-7:30 p.m.

February 8

  • Art: Local artist Chris Porter will provide instruction and demonstration in basic art principles, including shape, space, and shading. All supplies will be provided and no registration necessary. This is at the bench inside the Hartford Public Library. 11-1 p.m. Free.
  • The Author’s Table: Shayna Ramos, author of A Lifetime Changed, will be showcasing her book at Hartford Public Library, 11-2. HPL provides this description: “Three brothers set off on a scavenger hunt in the forest.   As frustrations set in, they begin to argue more. Something life-changing happens. They learn how to set it right again and work together.  This is a book for all ages, even the little ones. The author has included a puzzle that readers can solve.”
  • Hartford Entrepreneur Hangout: Free networking event for “Business creatives. Product conceptualizers. App & system coders. Everyone’s welcome!” This is at Hog River Brewing Co. (1429 Park St.), 5-7 p.m. There’s no fee to attend, but rsvp online.
  • Panel Discussion: Innovation Today — Come by Connecticut Historical Society (1 Elizabeth St.) from 5:30-7 p.m. for this free event. They say: “Connecticut is home to cutting-edge industries, technologies, and business models. Join the discussion to catch up on the latest advances and find out why Connecticut is a good place for innovation to flourish. This program is presented in conjunction with our exhibit Connecticut Innovates! – Presented by Connecticut Innovations.” Registration requested.
  • Low Cost High Impact Marketing: Free workshop at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Ave.), 6-8 p.m. Register online.
  • Green Drinks Hartford: A networking event for environmentalists at 50 Elm, 6-9 p.m. Dagmar Noll of Fracking Waste Action CT will lead a discussion at 7 p.m. This is free, but be prepared to cover the cost of your refreshments. (Get the Sorreltini)

February 9

  • Low Cost High Impact Marketing: Free workshop at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Ave.), 9:30-11:30 a.m. Register online.
  • Former Boston Celtic Keyon Dooling will be speaking in Trinity College’s Mather Hall (Washington Room), 12:15-1:30 p.m. They say: “During his twelfth NBA season, Keyon Dooling stood at the top of his game as the designated team leader of the Boston Celtics, firing up his teammates with the ringing challenge, ‘What’s driving you?’ A few months later, he found himself locked in an institution, confused, frightened and on the verge of losing everything. Now Dooling talks about the shocking childhood incidents that shadowed him during his entire successful pro basketball career and the hidden trauma that led to his widely publicized breakdown. Join Dooling on his incredible journey from the ‘hood to the NBA and discover his revealing and life-changing interactions with championship coaches Pat Riley and Doc Rivers and legendary players such as Shaquille O Neal, Gary Payton and Ray Allen. Above all, you’ll discover how love, family and God empowered an athletic kid to not only make it in the world of sports, but to triumph over incredible odds and learn what it takes to be an authentic leader.” This event is free and open to the public. Book sale and signing follows the talk.
  • Grooves, Ink & Paper II: Prints for All – A selection of 16th-20th Century Prints Exhibition —  opening reception, 4-6 p.m. in the Widener Gallery of Austin Arts Center at Trinity College. They say this is: “an exhibition […] prepared by the Seminar in Art History: Prints and Printmaking. This selection of prints is drawn from the Trinity College Art Collection with some loans from private collections. The exhibit is free and open to the public.” If you miss the opening, you can still catch the exhibit through March 8, 2017. Gallery Hours: 1-6 p.m., Monday – Saturday.
  • The State of Black Hartford: 6-8 p.m. This will take place at The Artists Collective (1200 Albany Ave.). They say: “Urban League of Greater Hartford Invites You to A Critical Discussion to Create a Social Economic Plan for Black Hartford in 2017. After a highly successful Community Conversation about the State of Black Hartford and the book launch. What are the next steps for Black Hartford? After the departure of President Barack Obama, the Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States Donald J. Trump, a State and city in social and economic crisis, how will all of this impact and affect Black Families? What are the real solutions for our Capitol City? Come and be a part of this “Community Conversation” as we build an action plan for our community collectively Your participation and input matters.” This event is free, open to the public, and sponsored by Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. RSVP to yvonne@davisworldtraining.com or call 860-796-2842 or here by February 8, 5 p.m.

February 10

  • IceBike/Walk/Bus to Work: Join the informal monthly meetup for people opting for sustainable modes of transportation. The suggested conversation starter: “How can we promote more active transportation and transit in our respective cities and spheres of influence?” The Hartford one will be at Sarah’s Coffee House (Ann & Asylum), 7-9 a.m.
  • The Vagina Monologues: At Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Ave.), 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit My Sister’s Place, Interval House and Connecticut TransAdvocacy. Tickets: $5-15.

February 11

  • Second Saturdays: Free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This month’s theme is “Postcards from Japan.” They say: “Guests are invited to explore Japan’s past and present through a unique dance performance, and create nature-inspired postcards to take home or send to a friend.” Once you’re admitted, you can stay until the museum closes, you just are not getting in for free after 1 p.m. unless you are a Hartford resident.
  • Hartford Art Sled Derby: Build or decorate a sled, ride a plain one, or just watch at Elizabeth Park. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free. This is one of Hartford’s finest events. It’s all-ages. Wear a helmet if you’re sledding.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tour: G. Fox & Co., Hartford’s Iconic Department Store — Check out this CHS tour. They say: “Visit storage and collection areas not normally open to the public, and learn how the CHS preserves the stories of Connecticut. Tours last approximately 1 hour and are appropriate for ages 12 and up.” There are tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission is $15 general; $10 CHS members.
  • Kid Koala: Satellite Concerts — from 3-7:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Theater of Austin Arts Center on the Trinity College campus, come have some fun. They say: “Come play in our turntable orchestra! The audience is seated at 50 stations equipped with a turntable, effects box, and a small crate of color-coded vinyl records. Through subtle colored lighting changes, the audience is cued to play along with Kid Koala’s dreamy, atmospheric tracks to create an “ambient vinyl orchestra,” melding their individual strains into a fluid, uplifting, and dynamic hour of light and music.” Admission: $5 for Trinity students, $25 general admission. Tickets available in-person only at the Austin Arts Center box office.
  • Annual Meeting and Hootenanny for new Connecticut farmers at the Dirt Salon (50 Bartholomew Ave.), 6-10 p.m. Food, drink, and music. Suggested $5 donation.
  • Snow Moon Sacred Fire Circle: This is a child-friendly event at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave), 6:30-11 p.m. They say: “Through the transformational alchemy of fire, dance, drumming, and community we will be releasing that which no longer serves us on our path and connecting to Mother Earth and the energy of the Full Moon as we dance and drum around the sacred fire.” There is a $10-20 suggested donation. Toivo also has some guidelines about what to bring and wear: “We ask all attendees also to bring a snack to share (fresh fruit, chips, etc.) and/or bottled water. This is a sober/dry event. No alcohol, please! As this is a sacred prayer ceremony we also ask that, out of respect, attendees do not use any mind-altering substances at all during the event inside the fire circle area. Additionally, no cell phone allowed! Fire circles are all about living in the moment which we can’t do with our faces stuck on a screen! So, bring your flow toys, your rhythm instruments (drums, rattles, didgeridoo, singing bowls, etc), your dancing feet, your voice, and an open mind and come dance under the moonlight with us! […] For winter circles in particular, it’s important to dress warmly and in layers. It’s easy to get quite hot or quite cold in a very short stretch depending on how active you are at any given time. (This is an indoor circle!) There will be materials for creating prayer intention sticks to allow participants to deepen and focus their intention which can be cast into the fire as an offering to Spirit and sacred contract with the Self.”
  • Hartford ArtSpace 20th Anniversary Reception: A salon-style exhibit at ArtSpace (555 Asylum St.), 6:30-11 p.m. No info about cover charge has been posted.
  • The Vagina Monologues: At Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Ave.), 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit My Sister’s Place, Interval House and Connecticut TransAdvocacy. Tickets: $5-15.
  • Hallmark vs. Lifetime — An Improv Comedy Show: Come to Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.) from 7-8:30 p.m. for what promises to be a hilarious night. They say: “It will be a rollercoaster of emotions as Allie Rivera and her cast of talented improvisers bring audience members through the uplifting romantic glurge of a Hallmark-style movie then pull them down into the melodramatic thrill-cry tragedy of Lifetime!” Tickets are $10. If you’re broke, look for the Pay It Forward tickets inside the box office lobby. (If you’re the opposite of broke, ask them how you can support the Pay It Forward program)

February 12

  • CT Robotics Society Monthly Meeting:  free and open to the public. 1-3 p.m. at MakeHartford, 30 Arbor St (B7).
  • Walk Hartford: Take Flight(s) — Take part in a free social walk that begins at 2:30 by the Colt statue in Colt Park. The walk will make stops at Hanging Hills Brewing Company, The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar, and then return to Colt Park. Dress for walking and the weather conditions. Bring money to cover cost of any food/drinks you want.
  • Baby Grand Jazz: Nita Zarif  will be performing as part of this free series at the Hartford Public Library, 3-4 p.m. These performances have moved from the atrium to the Center for Contemporary Culture.
  • Samantha Hart will be performing at Hanging Hills Brewing Company (150 Ledyard St.), 3-5 p.m. No cover.
  • Art & Music: Enjoy an art-inspired concert by professional choir CONCORA at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 4-6 p.m. They say: “To celebrate the recent beautiful renovation of the Wadsworth Atheneum, CONCORA will present a program at the museum with repertoire inspired by the artwork itself. Small ensembles will sing in the various galleries, with music related to the artworks in each room, such as choral music of Claude Debussy alongside Impressionist paintings, colonial songs by William Billings near art by 18th century American artists, and much more. The concert features the premiere of a commissioned choral work by Connecticut composer Ellen Gilson Voth, inspired by paintings of the Hudson River School, including Connecticut-born artist Frederic Church. The event concludes with a concert by the full choir in the stunning Morgan Great Hall.” Tickets range from $10-50.

February 13

  • Get Your Business Noticed with Facebook Groups: Free workshop at the Entrepreneurial Center (1265 Asylum Ave.), 9:30-11:30 a.m. Register online.
  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a lively performance every Monday at Arch Street Tavern, 8 p.m. Free.

February 14

  • Watch Casablanca at Cinestudio, 7 p.m. General admission is $10.

February 15

  • Beginning Farmers 104: Soil Health & Management — Care about food security? KNOX (75 Laurel St.) is offering a series of free trainings via UConn. This session is 5-8 p.m. Email charlotte.ross@uconn.edu to save your seat.
  • Hartford Streets Happy Hour: come to 50 Elm to “discuss Hartford’s transportation and built environment in a casual, fun setting. Topics regularly include: Advocating for Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Public Transit safety; Complete Streets / Vision Zero; Affecting change in Hartford’s transportation infrastructure; Tactical Urbanist safety improvement projects.” 5:30-7:30 p.m.

February 16

  • Salons at Stowe — The question guiding this event will be: “Race and gender representation in Hollywood: What is its impact and why is it important?” Pedro Bermudez, Visiting Assistant Professor of Cinema at University of Hartford and independent filmmaker, will be the special guest. Refreshments at 5:30, program from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest St.). Free, but reserve your seat.
  • The Jewish Play Writing Contest: Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Ave.) is hosting this free event, 7-9 p.m. They say: “Created by the Jewish Plays Project in New York City, this evening of theatre focused on the best and brightest in contemporary Jewish playwriting. Selections from three new Jewish plays are read – and the audience votes for their favorite, and perhaps sent that play to a reading in New York!”

February 17

  • Art: Local artist Chris Porter will provide instruction and demonstration in basic art principles, including shape, space, and shading. All supplies will be provided and no registration necessary. This is at the bench inside the Hartford Public Library. 11-1 p.m. Free.
  • HYPEd on UConn Men’s Hockey: They say: “Join our Social Events Committee on Friday, February 17th for HYPEd On UConn Men’s Hockey as they play against Northeastern University. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this competitive matchup! Our happy hour starts at 5:30pm and the puck drops at 7:05pm. Registration for this event will include one (1) ticket to the game AND access to our pre-game happy hour at the Hilton Hartford. We will meet in their Hartford Commons room for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and our own private bartenders that will make pre-gaming even better! They will even have a special UConn Signature Cocktail to buy that night. All tickets will need to be picked up from HYPE staff at the Hilton Hartford between 5:30-6:45pm on the 17th. Anyone who doesn’t come to the happy hour will have to pick up their tickets at will call after 6:45pm. We have a limited number of tickets so be sure to register soon! Registration closes Monday, February 13th at noon, no walk ins can be accommodated.Members $20, Non-Members $30. Registration required.“
  • Bearded Fruit: Live! — This event is at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Ave.) at 7 p.m. They say: “Join us for the very first live recording of Bearded Fruit, an LGBT-focused podcast based in Hartford. Each week on Bearded Fruit, hosts Cody and Neil Daigle-Orians tackle culture and politics through an intersectional queer lens. For their very first live event, they’ve invited a terrific panel of guests to join them, including Mark Richards (reigning Mr. CT Bear), Tyron Chapman (father of the House of Escada) and Shona Curtis (photographer whose exhibit “To Be Real” is currently running in the Charter Oak Cultural Center gallery. You’re also invited to a pre-show wine reception to view “To Be Real” with artist Shona Curtis and our Bearded Fruit Live! guests! Be a part of this exciting live event an support the creation of queer media! A portion of the proceeds from the “Pay What You Can” admission will be donated to True Colors and the Hartford Gay Mens’ Chorus.” $10 suggested donation.

February 18

  • Paint: Volunteer at the Burns School (195 Putnam St.) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. They say: “No artistic talent required – this is all about the journey with the student (and the paint)! You’ll paint side-by-side with one of our participating students where you’ll informally mentor the student by learning about each other while you paint. Our goal is about the relationship – not getting the paint job done quickly – our kids are learning the skills to be workforce ready. And, you can help. We’d love a donation from each volunteer, if possible, to underwrite the cost of lunch for you and the kids.”
  • Poetry at the Metro Cafe: The West End Poetry Society presents Poetry at the Metro Cafe (580 Farmington Ave.), with Antoinette Brim and Afaa Weaver as featured readers. Jazz at 2:30; Poetry begins at 3 p.m. Free event.
  • Acoustic Asana: This $25 event at Vasu Tribe (56 Arbor St. #407) is from 6-7:30 p.m. They say: “Cathy Beckius will guide us through a Vinyasa Flow for all levels as her son, Matt, will bathe us in the sounds of acoustic guitar and vocals.”

February 19

  • What is a Sanctuary City? Councilwoman Wildaliz Bermudez and CT Students for a Dream are organizing this community conversation. They say: “This event is open to everyone who is interested in learning more about their rights as residents and how we can work together to make every family feel safe in our community. We will have more details on speakers soon. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email them to jasonjortiz@gmail.com.” This will be held at Sacred Heart Church (160 Main St.), 1-3 p.m. Free. 
  • Baby Grand Jazz: Today’s musical performance will be coming from Jimmy Macbride in the Hartford Public Library’s Center for Contemporary Culture, 3-4 p.m. Free.
  • The Introvertz perform at The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar (20 Lindbergh Drive), 4-7 p.m.
  • Sea Tea Improv’s Family Show!: at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum St.), 5 p.m. They say: “An awesome evening of all-ages comedy for kids, teens, and adults with Hartford’s professional comedy troupe, Sea Tea Improv Touring Company! Our improv comedy show is interactive, with chances for kids and adults alike to shout out suggestions and even opportunities to volunteer to play some improv games with us on stage! The comedy is all-ages — kids and adults will have a lot to laugh about. Kids age 12 and under are just $5!” Adults, $10.
  • String Thing: This month’s edition of String Thing is themed “Political Resistance.” They say: “For those who want to continue dyeing, we’ll have the dyebaths simmering while we work on other projects. Bring something in progress or start something new. It can be knitting, crocheting, weaving, knotting, sewing, embroidery, macrame, or almost anything else that can be made with string. For those who need some comfort and focus, we’ll talk about options for knitting and crocheting as ways to help the community. If you are new to either one, you can learn to make a simple pussyhat or a pair of fingerless mitts to donate to a local shelter – or to wear yourself! Indicate in the discussion area if you are a new learner or looking for a community project.” Discussion with Donna Druchnas, author of “Knitting As A Political Act.” This takes place at Make Hartford (30 Arbor St.) from 6-8 p.m.

February 20

  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a lively performance every Monday at Arch Street Tavern, 8 p.m. Free.

February 21

  • La Promesa: The Park Branch of Hartford Public Library (744 Park St.) will host this free event, at 5:30 p.m. They say: “La actual crisis económica y social de Puerto Rico se asemeja a su historia de los años treinta. Este factor ha influido la emigración puertorriqueña a los Estados Unidos en tiempos recientes. El 33% de la población de Hartford es puertorriqueña siendo esta la cuarta ciudad de los Estados Unidos en proporción poblacional donde residen más puertorriqueños. Únase a nosotros con el profesor Jorge Limeres mientras miramos de cerca a PROMESA y la emigración.”
  • The Hartford History Center (inside Hartford Public Library) will be hosting a collaborative reading of Malcolm X’s writings. This will be facilitated by Olusanya Bey. Spectators and participants are welcome. Call 860.695-6377 if you have a particular reading in mind and would like it made available for you to read from today. 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Hartford Streets Hack Night: Meet at Sarah’s Coffee House (257 Asylum St.), 6:30-8:30 p.m. They say: “Bring a laptop or a notebook and let’s work on ideas to make Hartford’s streets safer.” Free.
  • See Tampopo at Cinestudio, 7:30 p.m. They say: “Cinestudio presents a superb 4K restoration from the original camera negative! When Tampopo opened in the States in 1987, it is fair to say that few (non-Japanese) Americans truly understood the characters’ hilarious obsession with making perfect noodles. But times change, and Japan’s love affair with noodles (we’re not talking about packaged Ramen!) has swept the restaurants and kitchens of everywhere from Las Vegas to Miami. Tampopo is the name of a young widow with the ambition to open the best little noodle shop in Tokyo. Her quirky collection of accomplices and rivals include a truck driver/noodle connoisseur named Goro (Tsutomu Yamazaki), a wealthy old man whose noodle-philia defines obsession, and a gangster (KÙji Yakusho) whose passion for noodles is right up there with the usual sex & violence.” General admission: $10.

February 22

  • Art: Local artist Chris Porter will provide instruction and demonstration in basic art principles, including shape, space, and shading. All supplies will be provided and no registration necessary. This is at the bench inside the Hartford Public Library. 11-1 p.m. Free.
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, speak to makers, show what you’re doing – 6:30-9 p.m., 30 Arbor Street, B7.

February 23

  • Hartford Hot Several and friends will bring free, live, and loud music at Hanging Hills Brewing Company (150 Ledyard St.), 6:30 p.m. on.

February 24

February 25

  • Read 1984 or Fahrenheit 451
  • Jennifer Jean — a poet, co-director of the Morning Garden Arts Retreats, and instructor at Boston area universities — will be presenting the poetry of Lucille Clifton at 10:15 a.m in Hartford Public Library. Free. This goes for approximately two hours.
  • Shag Frenzy: It’s back! Dance party at Hanging Hills Brewery (150 Ledyard St.), 7 p.m. – midnight.

February 26

  • Last chance to view Shadow Castings at Hartford Public Library’s ArtWalk Gallery
  • Baby Grand Jazz: Greg Abate will be performing from 3-4 p.m. in the Hartford Public Library’s Center for Contemporary Culture. Free.
  • Red Carpet Experience: Celebrate the Academy Awards while benefiting AIDS Connecticut. Red Carpet, musical entertainment, fashion show, silent auction, and viewing of the awards show from the cinema. Tickets: $50-100.

February 27

  • The Hartford Jazz Orchestra gives a lively performance every Monday at Arch Street Tavern, 8 p.m. Free.

February 28

  • Keep a list of all the things immigrants do for this country. Share it.
  • Hartford Mardi Gras: A day of free, musical events. They say: “Why should New Orleans have all the fun? Who cares if February in New England is a singularly bad time for outdoor parties? For the fourth year in a row, we are bringing honest-to-god carnival revelry to Hartford, with multiple stops in multiple places. There will be at least three brass bands, an army of dancers, a corps of drummers and steppers, giant puppets, delicious donuts, and more!” Expect a commuter serenade on Main Street around 8:30 a.m. near bus stops, lunchtime music at State House Square, a parade in Downtown around 4 p.m., and a big show from 6-10 p.m. at Real Art Ways. Free, free, free.
  • The Author’s Table: Geoffrey Craig, author of Scudder’s Gorge, will be making an appearance at the Hartford Public Library today at 1 p.m. They say: “Set largely in a small farming community in northern Vermont, Scudder’s Gorge is a family saga that extends over several generations. A group of settlers from Massachusetts arrive in a pristine valley in the late 18th Century to find a small band of Abenaki living at one end of the valley. The settlers build rude cabins, carve out their farms and trade with the Abenaki. Peace is shattered when a settler’s daughter falls in love with an Abenaki, and a terrible crime is committed that reverberates down the generations. As well as the story of a family of dairy farmers, Scudder’s Gorge encompasses issues of war and racism.”
  • After Hours is Leadership Greater Hartford’s free networking event that’s open to all. Tonight’s social event will be at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Ave.), 5:30-7:30 p.m.

DISCLAIMERS

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 or want to know what the plan is for inclement weather.

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

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