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January 2018 Events in Hartford

by Kerri Ana Provost
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January 1

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm. You could start the new year off at the gym, but why? This is free, outdoors, and not surrounded by screens.
  • Tonight is the last chance this season to see Holiday Light Fantasia in Goodwin Park. 5-9 pm. $15 per car.

January 2

  • Go twirl on them haters at the rink downtown. Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.

January 3

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
  • Get HYPEd: the monthly casual networking event for young professionals will be at Hooker Brewery (140 Huyshope Ave.), 5:30-8:30 pm. Where is that? Look for the Colt Dome (see pic above). Bring your business cards. Free.
  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: Free meditation class at Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground floor), 6:15-7:45 pm. They say this “class is open to people who are at all levels of meditation practice, whether you’ve never meditated or have years of experience. Join us for this fun and uplifting class Wednesday evening. Meet others who are looking for more clarity and peace through mindfulness. Experience the myriad benefits of mindfulness meditation, including lower stress and anxiety, a clear, more focused mind and better sleep. Beginners are more than welcome and will enjoy this supportive environment.“
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, meet other makers, ask questions, and learn about upcoming classes & events. Free at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7), 6:30-8:30 pm.
  • X-Files season 11 is scheduled to air tonight at 8 on FOX. Find a bar that’ll give you a channel change.

The Bushnell Park Carousel operates on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 5 pm. Rides are $1 each.

January 4

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
  • The Florida Project screens at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) at 7:30 pm. They say: “It may not be science-or evidence-based, but we’d guess that The Florida Project has been our most-requested movie of the last few weeks. [. . .] Moonee (in an amazing performance by Brooklynn Prince) is the life force that animates everyone around her: her scruffy group of friends, her teenage-but-trying mom, and the caretaker (Willem DaFoe) of the shabby Magic Castle motel where she lives, on the outskirts of Disney World. Without judgement, filmmaker Sean Baker (Tangerine) celebrates her freedom and risk-taking spirit, at the same time he sees the dangers lying in wait for kids scrambling to adulthood without the resources they need.” Tickets are $10 with some discounts available. Cinestudio is on the Trinity College campus. This theater has a balcony!

January 5

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
  • Après Skate – They say: “Come join us in your colorful and casual winter best for ice skating, drinks and food by the fire. You can bring your own skates or grab a pair provided by Winterfest, free of charge. After being out in the cold, you will enjoy the warmth of the Pump House and the delicious fare provided by our friends at Salute Restaurant. There will also be wine and beer for purchase. Non-skaters who just want the warmth of the fire are most welcome, too!” Tickets are $15 advance/$20 door; one drink included with ticket. This is 5:30-8 pm at the Pump House in Bushnell Park.
  • The Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival is enjoyable regardless of one’s own faith tradition, so long as you like to see live animals, dancing, and pageantry. Tickets are $18-25. The performance begins at 7:30 pm. No flash photography or recording devices are allowed; neither are children under four. Unless there is a travel ban, the show goes on regardless of weather conditions. This takes place at Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue).
  • Cruz Machine plays Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street) starting around 9 pm. $10 cover.

January 6

  • Free ice skating in Bushnell Park, 11 am – 8 pm.
  • Meditation 101: Learn different types of meditation from Linda Lentini at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 1-2 pm. There is a $5 suggested donation; nobody turned away for lack of funds. This is on the #47 Franklin Avenue bus route.
  • The Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival is enjoyable regardless of one’s own faith tradition, so long as you like to see live animals, dancing, and pageantry. Tickets are $18-25. There are two performances today: 3 pm and 6:30 pm. No flash photography or recording devices are allowed; neither are children under four. Unless there is a travel ban, the show goes on regardless of weather conditions and they are serious about that. This takes place at Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue).
  • Join in a community dance and drum circle at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 6:30-8:30 pm. All abilities welcome. Bring your own percussion instrument or use one of their drums. Suggested $5 donation; nobody turned away for lack of funds.

January 7

  • Today is the last chance to go ice skating in Bushnell Park this season. The rink is open 11 am – 8 pm. Free.
  • Last chance to experience the “Alien Worlds and Androids” exhibit at Connecticut Science Center (250 Columbus Boulevard). They say: “Through the use of robots, telescopes, space probes and high-tech laboratories, scientists have been studying the possibilities of life existing beyond Earth. In this interactive exhibition, you will join scientists in their search for alien life within and beyond our solar system, discover strange alien like creatures found here on Earth, and learn about the technologies used to explore remote solar systems and extreme environments found on Earth.” Entrance to this is included in price of admission; ticket prices vary.
  • The Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival is enjoyable regardless of one’s own faith tradition, so long as you like to see live animals, dancing, and pageantry. Tickets are $18-25. There are two performances today: 1:30 pm and 5 pm. No flash photography or recording devices are allowed; neither are children under four. Unless there is a travel ban, the show goes on regardless of weather conditions. This takes place at Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue).
  • Scandinavian Composers and the String Quartet: This begins at 2 pm in the Wadsworth Atheneum. They say: “The Haven String Quartet explores the musical expression of landscapes and nature in Sublime North: Romantic Painters discover Norway through works by Scandinavian composers including Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, and Hilding Rosenberg.” The ticket price — $20 general/$15 members — includes museum admission.
  • Andy Sherwood’s Dixieland Jazz Quartet performs as part of the Baby Grand Jazz series at the Hartford Public Library. This hour-long concert begins at 3 pm and will take place in the atrium. Free.
  • Center Church (6 Gold Street) will be holding a free concert/community sing of Handel’s “Messiah.” Reception follows the concert. 4-5:30 pm.
  • Syllable: Spoken word/poetry reading at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue), 6:30-8:30 pm. Listen to Hanif Abdurraqib, Chad Browne-Springer, Abi Rodriguez, and Ben Woodard. Free.

January 8

  • Cinestudio (300 Summit Street) will be showing Faces Places at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10. This movie theater is located on the Trinity College campus but is open to the general public. There is no concession stand.

January 9

  • Crokinole Game Night at Hooker Brewery (140 Huyshope Ave.), 6-10 pm. Free.

January 10

  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: Free meditation class at Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground floor), 6:15-7:45 pm. They say this “class is open to people who are at all levels of meditation practice, whether you’ve never meditated or have years of experience. Join us for this fun and uplifting class Wednesday evening. Meet others who are looking for more clarity and peace through mindfulness. Beginners are more than welcome and will enjoy this supportive environment.“
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, meet other makers, ask questions, and learn about upcoming classes & events. Free at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7), 6:30-8:30 pm.
  • Chenot performs at The Half Door (270 Sisson Avenue), 9:30 pm. Contact venue for other details. Take any of the Farmington Avenue buses.

January 11

  • The Hartford Police Department routinely shares information with the public at its Comstat meetings. They say: “We are opening our doors for you to see what current crime trends our city is experiencing, along with our predictive and preventative efforts. Our Comstat program is a dynamic and informative presentation and discussion. Your ideas, questions and energy are welcomed. Community conversations are encouraged.” This is from 5:30-7 pm at HPD (253 High Street).
  • Feeding the Dragon begins its run at Hartford Stage (50 Church Street), 7:30 pm. They say: “Sharon Washington plays nearly 20 characters in her own true story of growing up in the custodial apartment of a Manhattan library, where her father toils night and day to load the fiery furnace with coal, or in the eyes of a fanciful little bookworm, to feed the dragon. Shrouded in family mystery, Sharon’s story boldly examines how both the power of forgiveness and her lifelong love for the written word have helped her battle dragons of all forms.” Tickets start at $25.

January 12

  • Wadsworth Atheneum will screen Raphael: The Lord of the Arts at 2 pm. They describe this film as a ” beautiful production sheds light on the indelible life and exquisite craft of Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino.” $9 regular admission.
  • Opening reception at ArtWalk Gallery (500 Main Street) for Robert Charles Hudson’s The Door of No Return, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free.
  • Neko Case performs at Infinity (32 Front Street). Doors open at 6:30 pm; show begins at 8:30. Tickets start around $42.
  • Musical Ceremony with Jason Cohen: at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 7:30 pm. They say: “join us in sacred space to open your heart, connect with community, and feel fully alive. Jason Cohen of Incus will facilitate an uplifting interactive musical experience and lead us in song, chant, and dance.” $10-15.

January 13

  • Free admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum for all, 10 am – 1 pm. Family tours are offered at 10:30, 11, and 11:30. If you don’t do crowds but need the free admission, check out the museum’s website for other opportunities to see art on your budget.
  • Mariachi Corazón de Oro performs at Hartford Public Library at 1 pm. Free.
  • Art reception at EBK Gallery (218 Pearl Street) for David Borawski‘s exhibit “Blown Away.” 6-8:30 pm. Free. This exhibit will be on view from January 5-31, 2018; make an appointment to see art at times other than the reception.
  • East & West Coast Swing Dance at Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue). Dance lessons for beginners begins at 7 pm. Open dance, 8-11 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.
  • Steal Your Funk will be performing with Doug Wimbish at Arch Street Tavern. Doors open at 8:30 pm; show at 10. This is 21+. Tickets are $7.

January 14

  • Asylum Hill Congregational Church (814 Asylum Avenue) is hosting a conversation on racism at 11:30 am. They say this is “a follow-up discussion to the book discussion of Michael Eric Dyson’s Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America.” The conversation will focus on chapter six of that book. Free.
  • Connecticut Robotics meeting: Free, all ages event at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7), 1-4 pm.
  • Wadsworth Atheneum will screen Raphael: The Lord of the Arts at 2 pm. They describe this film as a “beautiful production [that] sheds light on the indelible life and exquisite craft of Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino.” A gallery tour at 1:15 pm precedes the film. $9 regular admission.
  • The Metro Jazz Band performs as part of the Baby Grand Jazz series at the Hartford Public Library. This hour-long concert begins at 3 pm and will take place in the Center for Contemporary Culture. Free.

January 15

  • Free admission to the Stowe House (77 Forest Street), 10 am – 4 pm. At noon there will be a discussion of King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Visitors are invited to bring new bath towels and feminine hygiene products for donation to emergency shelters.
  • MLK Community Day at Wadsworth Atheneum, 10 am – 5 pm. Family programs and free admission.
  • Honoring MLK: How We Got Here — South Congregational Church (277 Main Street) will host a “community conversation” about “the connection between the Greater Hartford area and the important work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” There will be performances by Studio-8-Sixty and Hartford’s Journey Writers. This free event is sponsored by Hands On Hartford and True Colors.
  • Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic: There is a $5 cover to perform or watch; participants get a drink ticket. They say: “Get the full comedy club experience — you won’t be competing with bar noise and televisions while telling jokes. We have 20 spots available (not including one 15 minute feature spot) and they are first come first serve. Sign up starts at 7 pm and the mic will start as soon as the list is full.” This is at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street).

January 16

  • Upward Expression: Sign up for the open mic at 7 pm; show at 7:30. Free. This is at 20 Church Street, mezzanine level.

January 17

  • The HIV: It’s Evolved, Not Gone event was postponed from December. They say: “Did you know that many millennials believe that HIV is a thing of the past? Millennials are engaging in increasingly risky behavior and not caring for themselves! Join us for an engaging, thoughtful and honest panel discussion about the HIV epidemic in Hartford. It’s free. It’s helpful. Just put it on your calendar and be there. We’ll have fun during our cocktail hour immediately following the discussion.” This free event is 6-8:30 pm at YWCA (135 Broad Street).
  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: Free meditation class at Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground floor), 6:15-7:45 pm. They say this “class is open to people who are at all levels of meditation practice, whether you’ve never meditated or have years of experience. Join us for this fun and uplifting class Wednesday evening. Meet others who are looking for more clarity and peace through mindfulness. Beginners are more than welcome and will enjoy this supportive environment.“
  • Hackster.io Monthly Hardware Meetup at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7 — follow signs to the basement classroom), 6-8 pm. Free.
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, meet other makers, ask questions, and learn about upcoming classes & events. Free at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7), 6:30-8:30 pm.

January 18

  • The Divine Order screens at the Wadsworth Atheneum at 7 pm. This subtitled film based on historical fact comes with this description: “In 1971, a young Swiss housewife organizes the women of her town to petition for the right to vote, despite opposition from her husband and conservative neighbors.” $9 regular admission, some discounts available.

January 19

January 20

  • Story + Soul: Brett Maddux will be reading poetry from his book, Regent, at Vasu Tribe Studio (56 Arbor Street, #409), 12:30-2 pm. This is free, but there will be beverages and refreshments available for purchase.
  • Women’s March: Dig out your pussyhat! 1-3 pm at the Connecticut State Capitol (210 Capitol Avenue).
  • Get Unstuck and Move Forward in Your Life II: You did not need to attend the first session to participate in this one. They say: “Join us to identify where you are stuck, learn the “5 Whys”, practice a meditation that will help you let go of what is holdng you back, and explore how Sound Vibration and Plant & Tree Essences can help you connect to your true self.” Lynne Hartwell is facilitating this. There is a $5 suggested donation. This is at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 2-4 pm.
  • Night Fall Movie: Watch a recording of the 2017 production of Night Fall. Suggested donation $10 (If that price is too high for you, then pay whatever you can). Free admission for kids. This will be in the hall of Christ Church Cathedral (45 Church Street), 6-9 pm. Movie begins at 7.
  • The Laroo/Byrd Funky4 perform at The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar (20 Lindbergh Drive), 7-10 pm. Dinner reservations are recommended.
  • Connecticut Improv Mixer: this “party where you can try improv” starts at 9 pm in Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). They say: “players are paired up by host Laura ‘Sassy Manassy’ Manasewich, and musical suggestions are provided by our wonderful in-house DJ.” $5.

January 21

  • The Matisse Project performs as part of the Baby Grand Jazz series at the Hartford Public Library. This hour-long concert begins at 3 pm and will take place in the Center for Contemporary Culture. Free.
  • Redwood Hill Bluegrass Band performs at The Half Door (270 Sisson Avenue), 5 pm. Contact venue for other details.

January 22

  • Intro to Screenprinting: this reasonably-priced workshop ($20) will teach you the basics of setting up a screen and printing on paper or cloth. Bring in a stencil, your own design, or freehand a design during class to use. If you want to print on clothing, bring something to the class, like a plain t-shirt. This is from 7-8:30 pm at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, B7). Pre-registration is required.

January 23

  • Upward Play: board, video, and table games at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine level), 6-8 pm. Free.

January 24

  • Volunteer for the 2018 Youth Count: this is scheduled for January 24-30, 2018. They say: “he Youth Count is a statewide effort to identify youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Connecticut.” Click here to learn more about getting involved.
  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: Free meditation class at Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground floor), 6:15-7:45 pm. They say this “class is open to people who are at all levels of meditation practice, whether you’ve never meditated or have years of experience. Join us for this fun and uplifting class Wednesday evening. Meet others who are looking for more clarity and peace through mindfulness. Experience the myriad benefits of mindfulness meditation, including lower stress and anxiety, a clear, more focused mind and better sleep. Beginners are more than welcome and will enjoy this supportive environment.“
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, meet other makers, ask questions, and learn about upcoming classes & events. Free at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7), 6:30-8:30 pm. Happening simultaneously in this space: String Thing. This month’s focus is crocheting, but bring any string/fiber-based project you’re working on. This is also free.
  • Hartford Seminary (77 Sherman Street) will be hosting a celebration of The Muslim World special issue with panelists including Professors David D. Grafton and Yahya Michot of Hartford Seminary and Dr. Amr Ryad of the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. 7-9 pm. Registration requested.

January 25

January 26

  • The Discovery Center (75 Charter Oak Avenue) is offering Intro to Equity, a two-hour workshop that is “designed as an introduction to the basic principles of equity in education.” 9-11 am. Tickets are $50 per person but they say “we are committed to an equitable process and will work to ensure access to these workshops regardless of ability to pay.”

January 27

  • Poets on Poetry Series continues at the Hartford Public Library with a discussion of Gertrude Stein. This free event begins at 10:15 am.
  • The Art of Community: Drumming a Healthy Community — no prior drumming experience needed for those attending this workshop at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue). They say: “Join master drum teacher Ubaka Hill for an experiential drumming workshop/playshop. Learn how to use drumming to reduce stress and inspire healthy, stigma-free community relations.” This is from 1-4 pm. The cost is $20-25, with scholarships available. Contact Kali Farrell for scholarship information at (860) 296-2338 ext 113 or kfarrell@toivocenter.org.
  • Peter Edlund will give an artist talk at Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street) at 4 pm.

January 28

January 29

  • Book Discussion: Read Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life and come talk about it at Toivo (399 Franklin Ave.), 2:30-4 pm. RSVP to Linda at llentini@toivocenter.org or (860) 296-2338 ext 105. A $5 donation is suggested.

January 30

  • Connecticut Voices for Children presents a State Budget Forum to discuss new fiscal restrictions, fundamental tax reforms, pension costs, and more. 8:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Old Judiciary Room at the Connecticut State Capitol (210 Capitol Avenue). Free, but register.
  • Crokinole Game Night at Hooker Brewery (140 Huyshope Ave.), 6-10 pm. Free.

January 31

  • Meet and Greet: Come to the Friends of Colt Park quarterly meeting to learn about upcoming plans for community events in the park. Light snacks will be provided. This begins at 6 pm at Church of the Good Shepherd and Parish House (155 Wyllys Street).
  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: Free meditation class at Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground floor), 6:15-7:45 pm. They say this “class is open to people who are at all levels of meditation practice, whether you’ve never meditated or have years of experience. Join us for this fun and uplifting class Wednesday evening. Meet others who are looking for more clarity and peace through mindfulness. Experience the myriad benefits of mindfulness meditation, including lower stress and anxiety, a clear, more focused mind and better sleep. Beginners are more than welcome and will enjoy this supportive environment.“
  • MakeHartford Open House: check out the space, meet other makers, ask questions, and learn about upcoming classes & events. Free at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street, #B7), 6:30-8:30 pm.

 

DISCLAIMERS

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

This information is accurate as of publication to the best of my knowledge. Events are sometimes cancelled or postponed. Verify with the venue if you are concerned about last minute surprises or want to know what the plan is for inclement weather.

This calendar is curated — it’s not a free-for-all. If an event is not in Hartford or kinda expensive or sketchy or unclear, it’s not going on this calendar without major convincing that it belongs here.

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