Here’s your curated Hartford event calendar for February 2023

What makes this list? Events that I would either attend or recommend to a good friend.
Check with each venue for information about Covid protection procedures and to verify that an event is still happening.

ADD TO CALENDAR 

  • SOUND BATH: Flutist Jacob Rudin will be leading people in an hour-long meditative experience at the First Presbyterian Church of Hartford (136 Capitol Avenue) on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 6:30 PM. They’re saying:  “if the Aurora Borealis has a sound, this would be it.” Those who want to sit or lay on the floor are invited to bring meditation pillows or mats. This is linked to Candlemas and is in a church. This event is free and open to all ages.
  • ART RECEPTION: Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue) is the place to see what’s described as an art opening reception celebrating Jordan D. Alexandre. Show up after 8 PM on February 1, 2023.
  •  EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE: It’s not your imagination. This film was at Cinestudio last year. But if you missed it or need to see it again, you have the chance to watch it at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street). Stuff your pockets with tissues; put on the waterproof mascara. This screens at 7 PM on February 3-9, 2023. Regular admission: $12.
  •  FREE YOGA: Just what it sounds like. If you have a yoga mat, bring one. This all-levels, all ages class is from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM every Friday in the HIU meeting room at the place formerly known as Hartford Seminary (77 Sherman Street).
  • OTHER PEOPLE’S POEMS: Sign up begins on February 3, 2023 at 6:30 PM; reading starts at 7:30 PM. The time limit? And I quote: “Just don’t be an asshole.” You don’t have to read, you can simply sit and listen. This is at Hartford Flavor Company (30 Arbor Street).
  • TRANSIT EQUITY DAY: Saturday, February 4, 2023:  Go for a ride on the bus! Spend time thinking about why public transportation should act like a public service. Take a selfie or just tweet about it, and use the hashtag #FareFreeTransitForever. Or skip the hashtag. But definitely go for a bus ride. And if you think you’re above riding the bus, I do not have time for you and kindly show yourself out.
  • BABY GRAND JAZZ: This season, the Sunday afternoon jazz series can be found at Center Church (corner of Gold and Main) because the library’s going through something right now. Seating begins at 2 PM; music is from 3-4 PM. Check the library’s Facebook page to make sure the concert is not canceled or to view event video.
    • February 5: Ken Serio Quartet
    • February 12: Caio e Jess
    • February 19: Alden Hellmuth Quintet
    • February 26: Ladies Day Jazz Ensemble
  • SUSPENSION OF PERCEPTION: In the Clare Gallery at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church are photographs from when Christine Breslin in 2018 “witnessed the US Government’s response to immigration on the southern border—separating babies and children from their families. She became enraged and felt she needed to do something. She traveled to the Texas border with Grannies Respond; Abuelos Responden to help spread the word about the gravity of the situation.” These are on view through mid-March, and on February 7, 2023 from 7-8:30 PM there is a free, virtual panel discussion with Breslin and others. Register to receive the video link.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE HACKATHON: This is a brainstorming session to devise solutions to air quality problems. I would simply glance at the built landscape around Upward Hartford (20 Church Street) and slash travel lanes left and right, including most of the highways nearby, but that’s just me. If you have ideas, register for this two-day event on February 11 and 12, 2023. They will feed you three meals and endless coffee; you provide ideas. It is free to participate, but you need to register.
  • TAROT INSPIRED IMPROV: Have I ever been to a bad show at Sea Tea Comedy Theater? No. But some, you can just tell are going to be even better than others. How? It’s written in the stars. Oh, wait, that’s astrology. Play your cards right, and this show will begin at 7 PM on Saturday, February 18, 2023. This is at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). Tickets are $10.
  • THE BIRDS: Whether you’re a fan of The Birds or of The Crowening, how could you resist a pre-film talk about birds by a wildlife biologist, followed by a screening of the classic?  The talk begins at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street). Regular admission is $12.
  • HEIRLOOMS APPRAISAL: First of all, do not be showing up with a trunk of your great great aunt’s treasures. This is not that. Nothing is ever that. Don’t be that person. This is an improv show inspired by “Antiques Roadshow,” so maybe think of a few objects in your basement that you’d want to describe to performers and then watch them discuss its worth. You can also not actively participate and just enjoy the show. This is at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street) on February 25, 2023 at 9 PM. Tickets are $10.
  • AMISTAD AFFAIR: Tammy Denease, Charles Warner, and Adrienne Joy Burns will participate in a free, virtual panel discussion about the Connecticut Freedom Trail at noon on February 28, 2023.

CULTURAL ASSETS
For ongoing free education, entertainment, and resources — like 24/7 food pantries and libraries — check out this map. Zoom in and click on the icons for more information. More sites have been added since November.