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February 2018 Events in Hartford

by Kerri Ana Provost
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DISCLAIMERS

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, no exceptions.

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.

Cedar Hill Cemetery

February 1

  • James C. Scott, in his lunchtime lecture at Trinity College, will explore “why we avoided sedentism and plow agriculture, the advantages of mobile subsistence, the unforeseeable disease epidemics arising from crowding plants, animals, and grain, and why all early states are based on millets and cereal grains and unfree labor. He also discusses the ‘barbarians,’ who long evaded state control, as a way of understanding continuing tension between states and nonsubject peoples.” This is free and open to the public. A light lunch will be provided. This will take place in Wean Terrace Rooms B&C of Mather Hall, 12:15-1:30 pm.

 

  • Widener Gallery in Austin Arts Center (Trinity College) will be hosting an artist talk by and opening reception for Deborah Buck, whose show “features works on paper that combine Japanese sumi ink with densely layered compositions of acrylic, pastel, and chalk.” 4:30-6:30 pm. Free.

 

  • Art After Dark: Visit the museum, watch ice sculpture and fire eating demonstrations, watch dance, and more at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 5-8 pm. Stay for a screening of The Big Sick at 8. Admission is $10 general, $5 members, and free for college students with ID.

 

  • Opening reception for “Passing It On: Traditional Arts Apprenticeships” at Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library (1 Elizabeth Street), 5:30-7:30 pm. See demonstration and performances of Mexican mariachi music, Lebanese singing, Portuguese accordion playing, Somali Bantu basket making, and decorative woodcarving.  They say: “Over twenty years the Southern New England Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program has supported 142 accomplished artists to teach a folk or traditional art form to qualified students through the classic apprenticeship model of regular, informal but intensive one-on- one learning over several months, even years. This long-term learning reflects the time it takes to master the often difficult techniques of these deeply rooted art forms. The process encourages close interaction with the master teaching artist, who transmits not only the artistic skills but also the stories, background, values, and cultural uses of the tradition. A total of 464 artists, both master teachers and apprentices, have participated.” Free, but please rsvp@chs.org

 

  • Laugh for the Health of It: engage in deep breathing, laughter exercises, and guided meditation in this one-hour class, beginning at 6 pm. Laura Le is the instructor. There is a $5-15 suggested donation. This is at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue).

 

  • Nails and Wagging Tails: Bring your dog to Naturally Dogs and Cats (10 Trumbull Street), 6-8 pm, for a nail trim. $5.

 

  • Author Mark Dressler will be giving a talk about his book Dead and Gone at Barnes & Noble (18 Front Street), 6 pm. Book signing follows. Free.

 

  • Twang Thursday: The National Reserve gives a free performance at Hog River Brewing Company (1429 Park Street), 7-9 pm.

 

  • The POSSM performs at The Republic (10 Capitol Avenue), 8:30-11 pm. No cover charge.

 

February 2

  • Take a free “Contracting 101” workshop through University of Hartford’s Entrepreneurial Center. This seminar will cover: “registration requirements for doing business with the State of Connecticut and the federal government; websites for locating federal bids over $25,000; and Connecticut’s bid portal, which includes state & municipal bids and state & federal set-aside programs.” Register online. This is from 9:30 am – 12 pm at the Babcock House (260 Girard Avenue).

 

  • Angela Davis — The Angela Davis — will be talking at University of Hartford, 11 am – 1 pm, in Lincoln Theater. She has been invited to “discuss her life, career, and social justice issues.” This is free and open to the public.

 

  • A Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka has been adapted by SinkingShip Productions; the one-man show will be performed by Jonathan Levin at HartBeat Ensemble’s Carriage House Theater (360 Farmington Avenue), 7:30 pm. This performance will include use of “puppetry, Victorian miniatures and audience participation.” Tickets are $25, with some discounts available.

 

February 3

  • Stop by ArtWalk Gallery (third floor of Hartford Public Library) to listen to an art talk by Robert Charles Hudson, whose work is currently featured in the space. This free event begins at 11 am.

 

  • Hartford History Center (third floor of Hartford Public Library) is hosting United Tastes: The Making of the First American Cookbook with Keith Stavely and Kathleen Fitzgerald. They say: “The ‘first American cookbook,’ American Cookery, by Amelia Simmons, was published initially in Hartford in 1796, then in a revised edition a few months later in Albany. In recent years, it has received a great deal of attention. The Library of Congress has designated it one of the eighty-eight ‘Books That Shaped America,’ and writers about food, both journalists and historians, talk frequently and enthusiastically about it. Yet in all of this current discussion, there has been no attempt to reconstruct the social circumstances and culinary traditions that shaped this book that helped shape America. United Tastes fills this gap, showing how American Cookery—an inexpensive collection of mainly British recipes, interspersed with a few American favorites—was part of an effort to promote a particular version of American national identity, the one favored by the leading citizens of the place it was first published, Connecticut. In making this argument, United Tastes describes in compelling detail the social structure, the homes, the farms, and the foods of Early National Connecticut and the Connecticut River Valley.” 1-3 pm, free.

 

  • Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story screens at Wadsworth Atheneum at 2. They describe the film: “Hedy Lamarr was a “glamour icon” whose ravishing face was the inspiration for Snow White, and a technological trailblazer who perfected a radio system used to throw Nazi torpedoes off course. This documentary weaves interviews and clips with never-before-heard audio tapes of Hedy speaking about her remarkable, yet troubled, life.” Costumes worn by Lamarr will be on view at the theater. Admission is $9, with discounts for seniors, students with ID, and members.

 

 

  • Drop by Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue), 6:30-8:30 pm, for a community drum and dance circle. No prior experience is needed. Bring your own percussion instrument or borrow one. There is a suggested $5-15 donation for this event.

 

February 4

  • Hartford Forum: Fascism & Anti-Fascism — Roger Benham, who provided medical support in Charlottesville, will be leading a conversation about the history of these movements in the United States. This will be from 1-3 pm at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). No cover charge.

 

 

  • Last chance to see A Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka, which has been adapted by SinkingShip Productions; the one-man show will be performed by Jonathan Levin at HartBeat Ensemble’s Carriage House Theater (360 Farmington Avenue), 2 pm. This performance will include use of “puppetry, Victorian miniatures and audience participation.” Tickets are $25, with some discounts available.

 

  • Sinan Bakir performs at the Hartford Public Library from 3-4 pm today as part of the Baby Grand Jazz series. The Center for Contemporary Culture, where the concert takes place, will open at 2 pm. Free.

 

  • Sarah Rose Band performs at Sully’s (2071 Park Street), 9 pm until midnight. No cover.

 

February 5

  • Learn to solder at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street #B7), 6:30-9 pm. The $35 registration fee includes kit and supplies.

 

  • Monday Movies at Tainted: Doors open at 6:30 pm, movie begins at 7. Tonight’s film: Death Becomes Her. They are asking for a $2 donation. Bring a blanket or floor pillow. Tainted is located at 56 Arbor Street, #310A.

 

  • Get thee to Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street) for stand-up comedy open mic. $5 admission. Sign up starts at 7 pm; comedy begins when the list is full.

 

  • The UConn Symphony Orchestra is giving a free performance at Wadsworth Atheneum, 7:30-9 pm.

 

February 6

  • Author Yuri Herrera will give a reading in the Reese Room of Smith House at Trinity College, 4:30 pm. A book signing and reception follows. Free and open to the public.

 

  • Upward Canvas: See works of art by Matt Becker, Christine Chaise Greenwood, Miguel Jose Matos, Naomi Ben-Ari, Marnise Nicole, Maeve McGreenery, Christopher Brown, Violet Davenport, Anne Gogh, and Stephanie Meyer. All works will be priced at $200 or under, with opening night purchases reduced 10%. This is from 6-8 pm at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine).

 

  • Real Board Games & Chess Night: Show up and play! Free, all levels of chess players welcome. This is in the lounge area of Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street), 6-9 pm.

 

February 7

  • Drink Up! — every Wednesday, Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine) hosts a complimentary happy hour and networking event, 4-6 pm.

 

  • City of Hartford Bicycle Plan Meeting: rescheduled from a few months ago, the purpose of this meeting is for the community to provide input on what will become a street facility guide. This will be from 5:30-7:30 pm at 260 Constitution Plaza in the Plaza Level Conference Room. Come one, come all!

 

  • Get HYPEd: a free, casual, networking event at Rocking Horse Saloon (181 Ann Street), 5:30-8:30 pm. Drop in whenever. Registration is not required. Bring cash for drinks and, of course, your business cards.

 

  • Thinking about starting your own business? Get some basic information at a free, small business workshop offered through the Entrepreneurial Center. This workshop begins at 6 pm and will be held in the Babcock House (260 Girard Avenue). Register online.

 

  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: open to all levels, this free class is offered every Wednesday from 6:15-7:45 pm at the Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground level).

 

  • The Wadsworth Atheneum will be screening The Rape of Recy Taylor at 7 pm. A reception precedes the film at 6. Regular admission is $9 with discounts available for members, students, and seniors.

 

  • MakeHartford Open House: Check out Hartford’s makerspace (30 Arbor Street #B7) and meet other makers. Drop in anytime, 6:30-8:30 pm.

 

February 8

  • Maurice Wade will be discussing Lloyd Best —  “a political economist, social theorist, politician, political activist, and devoted partisan on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago in particular and the Greater Caribbean region generally.” This free event takes place in McCook conference room 201 at Trinity College, 4:30-6 pm. Free and open to the public.

 

 

  • Opening reception for Erik Williams’ photo exhibit, “A Sad and Beautiful World,” at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 6-8 pm. Complimentary wine and cheese at the reception.

 

  • Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street) is hosting TwoProv, a whole improv set with just two people. This begins at 7 pm. Tickets are ~$10. A little broke? Go see if any “Pay It Forward” tickets are available at the box office.

 

  • Twang Thursdays at Hog River Brewing Company (1429 Park Street) features music from Tuesday Saints, 7 pm. Free.

 

  • Dr. Deena Grant will give a lecture — Genesis, Creation and the Rhetoric of Biblical Monotheism — at the Hartford Seminary (77 Sherman Street), 7-9 pm. This is free, open to the public, and in the meeting room. The lecture will be followed by a reception.

 

  • Cinestudio is screening Call Me By Your Name at 7:30 pm. General admission: $10.

 

February 9

  • Science Straight Up: Your Brain in Love — This is a new happy hour series at the Connecticut Science Center for the grown folk (21+). In their words: “If you like Liquid Lounge, dive a little deeper and try Science Straight Up. Wrap your brain around the science of love at Hartford’s smartest happy hour. Sea Tea Improv joins us for an interactive breakdown of our emotional brain and the “love chemicals” that give us the heart palpitations and butterflies in the stomach feeling looking at that certain someone. Not feeling the love? Touch a REAL brain and examine the organs. Or maybe, get a dopamine release with some dance lessons. PLUS, see the all-new Butterfly Encounter and experience the love of hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a tropical oasis.” This is $10 in advance or $12 at the door; $5 for members and students, who must show ID. 5:30-8:30 pm

 

  • Barnes & Noble (18 Front Street) is hosting a book event with author Bob Colangelo, who will talk about a robbery gone wrong and a New York murder with ties to Hartford’s South End. 6-7:30 pm. Free. Light refreshments will be available.

 

 

  • Get A Clue Murder Mystery House Tours: at the Mark Twain House (351 Farmington Avenue), 7-8 pm. They say this is a: “live-action version of the classic board game Clue in an hour-long tour featuring the famed comedy troupe Sea Tea Improv as Twain’s beloved characters/suspects. Clue tours provide all the murder, mayhem, and merriment you expect in a whodunit.” Tickets are $25 and reservations are required.

 

February 10

  • The Hartford Art Sled Derby is not to be missed, even if your presence at it involves standing on the sidelines instead of sitting on a sled. Get a sled, decorate it, and bring it to the park to ride it down the hill in competition for awards in various categories. Meet at Elizabeth Park’s Sunrise Overlook on Prospect Avenue.  This is a free, all-ages event. Helmet use is recommended for sledders. The event goes from 11 am – 2 pm. NOTE: If there is not enough snow on the ground, this event will be postponed.

 

  • Engaged Mindfulness and the Art of Being Human: Facilitated by Olusanya Bey, this event is from 2-4 pm at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue). They say: “Join us for in-depth introduction to the practice of Engaged Mindfulness in relationship to personal/social transformation. The workshop focuses on the preliminary principles of meditation and Mindfulness practices, such as full awareness of breathing, body scanning, mindful eating, mindful walking, and deep listening. ” There is a suggested $5-15 donation.

 

  • Shimmies & Shakes: Intro to Burlesque — hosted by Tainted Inc. (56 Arbor Street, #310A), 3-4:30 pm. They say: “How do you show your love for the skin that you’re in? Join us for a beginner burlesque class that is open to everyone – that includes YOU! We will explore the art of sensual dance & movement, without taking our clothes off – & also talk more about why showing our sexy side is so taboo in our society. Wear something you love, bring a prop to dance with, or borrow a boa from us! This workshop is fun and flirty, & just in time for Valentine’s Day. Let’s feel sexy in our skin, especially in the month of love! This class is led by the amazing Alexa La Fever.” Tickets are $45.

 

  • Also at Toivo today, Love, Freedom, Self-Empowerment: Dances of the African Diaspora. They say: “Join us for this dance workshop with Sistah Anyango to experience movement, music, and mindfulness. Join us on a gentle journey to freedom, love, and self empowerment. ” 6-8 pm. There is a $5-15 suggested donation.

 

  • Opening art reception at EBK Gallery (218 Pearl Street) for Chris Perry‘s altered books, 6-8:30 pm.

 

  • Hootenanny: The New Connecticut Farmer Alliance has its annual meeting from 7-7:30; there’s food and drink from 6-7, Cabbage Moth Radio Hour from 7:30-8, and a hootenanny (music and food) from 8-10 pm. $5 suggested donation. This will take place at The Dirt Salon (50 Bartholomew Avenue).

 

  • Doors for the Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer show at Infinity (32 Front Street) open at 6:30 pm. Show starts at 8. Tickets start ~$40. Click the links on their names to watch a couple videos if you’ve never heard  of them. As my father would say, “this ain’t no novice shit.”

 

  • Come to 11 Regent Street at 7 pm for, well, let’s stick with Brett’s description: “come warm yourselves by the fire of glory as the patron saintess of chicago mercedes webb joins the gods of hartford pearl sugar and chad browne-springer for a night of musical euphoria. you will smile, you will cry, you will fall in love and be reborn in the arms of something beautiful. tell your friends. everyone is welcome.“

 

February 11

  • The CT Robotics Society meets at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street #B7), 1-4 pm. They say: ” spite of the name, the CT Robotics Society is actually a lot more then just Robotics. We are interested in any type of technical project from music to photography to weather to anything involving a gadget or device. If you have it, show it off. If it doesn’t work, we’ll try to help you fix it. If you can’t figure out how to use it, we’ll try to help. If you’d like to buy one but don’t know which one, one of our members probably has some experience to share. Whatever your story or need, come and join our group.” This is a free, all ages event.

 

  • Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) is hosting a staged reading of Julius Lester’s A Day of Tears. This is a story about the largest slave auction in American history. 2 pm. Tickets are $15 general; $10 students, seniors, and Let’s Go Arts members; and nobody is turned away for lack of funds.

 

  • The John Kordalewski Trio performs at the Hartford Public Library from 3-4 pm today as part of the Baby Grand Jazz series. The Center for Contemporary Culture, where the concert takes place, will open at 2 pm. Free.

 

  • Syllable: Thomasina Levi, Erin Fitzgerald and Jason Labbe will read their works at Little River Restoratives (405 Capitol Avenue), 6:30-8:30 pm. No cover charge.

 

Ukrainian pysanky on view at “Passing It On,” February 1st

February 12

 

 

  • Keeping Faith: Three Sisters of Story — They say: “Three exceptional storytellers will share stories from their own faiths – Christian, Muslim and Jewish – to transcend differences through a shared belief in the power of compassion and connection.” Listen to Rohina Malik, Susan Stone, and Kim Schultz in the meeting room at Hartford Seminary (77 Sherman Street). This is open to the public, but there is a $15 fee in advance; $20 at the door. 7 pm.

 

February 13

  • Get help creating a business plan with the Entrepreneurial Center, 9:30-11:30 am. This is free, but register online. This workshop will take place at 260 Girard Avenue.

 

  • Hartford Mardi Gras: Giant puppets and bands will be making their way around downtown for evening rush hour starting at 4 pm. Starting at 7 pm, Real Art Ways (56 Arbor Street) will be hosting free performances by three brass bands.

 

  • Hartford Hip Hop Digital Stories: at Hartford History Center (third floor of Hartford Public Library), 5:30-7:30 pm. They say: “view and discuss short films by Trinity college students featuring seven Hartford Hip Hop pioneers: Myron Moye, Tony Villarini, Rick Torres, Empress Nijuabi, Dooney Bates, Janice Flemming, and Mike Nice. Digital stories, full interviews, transcripts, and photographs will be archived at the Hartford History Center at Hartford Public Library. This project was created in collaboration with Professor Seth Markle’s Global Hip Hop Cultures fall 2017 course at Trinity College and Tim Wolf.” This is a free event.

 

  • Upward Expression: Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine) is hosting an open variety show. Sign up at 7 pm; show starts at 7:30. Free. Registration is encouraged.

 

February 14

  • Drink Up! — every Wednesday, Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine) hosts a complimentary happy hour and networking event, 4-6 pm.

 

  • Want to celebrate unconditional love and loyalty? Come to Naturally Dogs and Cats (10 Trumbull Street) for Yappy Hour, a social event for dogs and their people. 6-8 pm. Free.

 

  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: open to all levels, this free class is offered every Wednesday from 6:15-7:45 pm at the Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground level).

 

  • MakeHartford Open House: Check out Hartford’s makerspace (30 Arbor Street #B7) and meet other makers. Drop in anytime, 6:30-8:30 pm.

 

 

February 15

  • Dario Euraque will be giving a talk on the Caribbean Honduras in Mather Hall’s Alumni Lounge at Trinity College, 12:15-1:30 pm. Free and open to the public.

 

 

  • Many Faiths, One Conversation at Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street), 6:30-8 pm or 5-7:30 pm if you believe the Stowe Center website or their Facebook event. My advice: contact them directly if you are interested in this free conversation featuring Vjosa Qerimi, an Albanian from Kosovo; Nancy Latif, who works for resettlement of Syrian, Congolese, Afghan, Iraqi, Pakistani and South Asian refugees; Eileen Epperson , a hospice chaplain; and Carol Ascher, who has studied equity and prejudice in public education.

 

February 16

 

  • If you have thoughts about the City of Hartford’s athletic field use policies, come to the DPW conference room (50 Jennings Road), 4-5:30 pm. If you can’t attend, send your questions and comments to thomas.baptist@hartford.gov and padib001@hartford.gov

 

  • GLappy Hour: a monthly social to get to know other pet owners in the LGBTQ community. Everyone who supports the LGBTQ community is welcome. 6-8 pm at Naturally Dogs and Cats (10 Trumbull Street), free.

 

  • Read It & Sleep: a pajama storytime at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) for children. There will be snacks, hot chocolate, and an activity, plus a reading of Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill.  Each family goes home with a free copy of the book, while supplies last. 7-8 pm. Free.

 

 

February 17

 

  • Take a dance workshop at Toivo (399 Franklin Avenue) with Arien Wilkerson, 6-8 pm. Suggested $5-15 donation.

 

  • Asking for a Friend: the advice show hosted by Chion Wolf has a new name. This is a humorous, live advice show (not meant as professional advice or therapy, so). How does it work? They say: “Write down your problem, put it in the big red box, and host Chion Wolf will help you figure it all out with her panel of unqualified yet enthusiastic, thoughtful humans. At the end of the night, Chion picks one audience volunteer randomly who gets a free pair of tickets to next month’s show, and the grand finale is a Reading of Confessions. Very mature children are invited, and immature adults welcomed, profanity likely.” This takes place at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street), 7 pm. Tickets are $15, but check the box office for Pay It Forward tickets if you just don’t have that kind of money today.

 

  • Java Groove will be performing at The Flying Monkey Grill Bar (20 Lindbergh Drive), 7-10 pm. No cover charge.

 

  • Karaoke night at the Polish National Home (60 Charter Oak Avenue), 7-11 pm. No cover charge.

 

  • Improv for Social Justice: 9 pm at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street). They say: “The world can be a painful place, but you can bet we’re going to make you laugh at it. Sea Tea Comedy Theater improvisers take to the stage and create comedy based on interviews with local community activists. We break down and discuss social justice issues, and then depict and parody those issues, punching up at oppressive power systems and delivering social criticism. Come see a cathartic show that will make you laugh and restore your faith in humanity, all at the same time.” Tickets are $10.

 

February 18

 

  • Catch The Sacrifice at 2:30 or 7:30 pm at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). $10 general admission, with discounts available.

 

  • Margaux Hayes and New World Ensemble performs at the Hartford Public Library from 3-4 pm today as part of the Baby Grand Jazz series. The Center for Contemporary Culture, where the concert takes place, will open at 2 pm. Free.

 

February 19

  • Monday Movies at Tainted: Doors open at 6:30 pm, movie begins at 7. Tonight’s film: Cruel Intentions. They are asking for a $2 donation. Bring a blanket or floor pillow. Tainted is located at 56 Arbor Street, #310A.

 

  • Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic: sign up begins at 7 pm; show starts as soon as list is full. Each comedian gets four minutes. Pay your $5 at the door. This is at Sea Tea Comedy Theater (15 Asylum Street).

 

  • The Lost Tribe performs at Black-Eyed Sally’s (350 Asylum Street), 8-11 pm. The first set begins at 8 pm; second set is an open jam session. There’s a $5 cover at the door.

 

Bushnell Park

February 20

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

 

  • Catch The Sacrifice at 7:30 pm at Cinestudio (300 Summit Street). They provide this description: “Shot in Sweden by Ingmar Bergman’s celebrated cinematographer Sven Nykvist and starring Erland Josephson, the film is a masterpiece of visual imagery that looks for humanity’s redemption in our willingness to sacrifice for others. It opens as Alexander, a middle-aged intellectual who lives in a beautiful home on a remote island with his wife and young son, is celebrating his birthday with friends. Suddenly, news breaks that a nuclear war may have begun. In the panic that follows, Alexander vows to a God he hadn’t believed in that he will give up everything, even his son, to avert the apocalypse.” $10 general admission, with discounts available.

 

February 21

  • Drink Up! — every Wednesday, Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine) hosts a complimentary happy hour and networking event, 4-6 pm.

 

  • Edward Gorey: Theater & Dance Enthusiast — public reception and exhibition viewing at 5 pm; conversation at 6 pm with “Hartford Stage artistic director Darko Tresnjak, dance critic Robert Greskovic, and ‘Gorey’s Worlds’ curator Erin Monroe” who will discuss “Edward Gorey’s passion for the arts.” This free event is at the Wadsworth Atheneum.

 

  • Tasting Night with Hartford Flavor Company at Spectra Wired Cafe (5 Constitution Plaza, but enter at Kinsley and Columbus), 6-8 pm. Try seven different liqueur flavors, free.

 

  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: open to all levels, this free class is offered every Wednesday from 6:15-7:45 pm at the Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground level).

 

  • Catch a screening of MAMIL (middle-aged men in lycra) at Bow Tie Palace (330 New Park Avenue), 6:30 pm. Pre-order your ticket to ensure that this event happens.

 

  • MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street #B7) will focus this month’s String Thing on knitting, 6:30-8:30 pm. They say: “Whether you would like to learn, or are having trouble with a pattern, or just want to socialize and work on something in progress, you’re welcome to participate. If you want to learn the basics, please bring yarn and a hook – generally size 7-10 (4-7mm) needles are most comfortable, and the yarn should be smooth and lighter colour. We have some supplies available for freewill donations. Not into knitting? That’s OK – each month we’ll sample something new, but feel free to bring any project you like and enjoy the camaraderie. Bring your crocheting, spinning, weaving, knotting, sewing, embroidery, braiding, kumihimo – whatever you are doing with (or to create) string! You’re also welcome to peruse the donated supplies and library – if you want to take something home, we ask for a donation. Feel free to bring friends and tell others about our meetings, they are open to all.”  This coincides with open house, so check out the entire space while you’re there! Free.

 

  • Open Forum Dance: Tainted Inc (56 Arbor Street, #310A) is hosting “ a free-form create session for [d]ancers. Warm up with us, bring a dance piece you have been working on, immerse yourself in creative energy. We are looking for those who want to co-create, inspire and be inspired by others, share skills and share the floor!” 7:15-8:15 pm. Free, but register.

 

February 22

  • Shafqat Hussein will be giving a free, public lunchtime talk about the snow leopard. They say: “Learn about snow leopard conservation in Pakistan from Trinity College Associate Professor of Anthropology Shafqat Hussain. Studies from Pakistan show that more than 50 percent of snow leopard diet is based in domestic livestock. Globally, this figure is about 25 percent. Apart from a small initiative, there is no mechanism to compensate farmers for their losses against snow leopard predation. One can say that poor mountain farmers unwittingly subsidize snow leopards in Pakistan. The major cost of conservation is borne by farmers. But most of the conservation money is spent on conservation institutions. In this way, the poor farmers indirectly subsidize conservation institutions.” This takes place from 12-1:30 pm in Hallden Hall’s North Wing, Dangremond Family Commons 104 at Trinity College.

 

  • If you haven’t gotten around to hearing Steve Thornton talk about Wicked Hartford yet, get on it! He’ll be doing a book talk, followed by signing, at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (77 Forest Street), 5:30-7 pm. It’s a free event, but bring money so you can get a copy of Wicked Hartford.

 

  • The Jewish Play Writing Contest: Come to the Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue) to “[w]atch a cast of stellar actors read 20-minute sections from three plays, hear JPP Founder David Winitsky share the latest trends, and then use your cell phone to vote for the play that should continue on.” 7-9 pm. Free.

 

February 23

  • Frenchie Friday: free social hour for French Bulldogs and their owners. This is at Naturally Dogs and Cats (10 Trumbull Street), 6-8 pm.

 

  • Take a Graveyard Shift Ghost Tour at the Mark Twain House (351 Farmington Avenue), with tours starting at 6, 7, 8, and 9 pm. $25. They say that the tour is not suited for children under 10.

 

  • The Vagina Monologues: dramatic reading of the monologues at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 7:30-9:30 pm. Tickets are $15; proceeds benefit Connecticut TransAdvocacy, Interval House, and My Sister’s Place.

 

 

February 24

  • Poets on Poetry: Julia Paul leads a discussion on Wislawa Szymborska at Hartford Public Library in Classroom 26, Lower Level. 10 am – 12 pm. Free.

 

  • Climate Justice Teach-In at Hartford Public Library, 11 am – 5 pm. Co-sponsored by Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter, 350 CT and CTCORE-Organize Now!, this educational event will feature a number of speakers including: Jacqui Patterson, Climate Justice Director, NAACP; Anne L. Hendrickson, Director, Population and Development Programs and Faculty in Critical Social Inquiry, Hampshire College; Sean Sweeney, International Director, Trade Unionists for Energy Democracy; Alexis Rodriquez, CT Puerto Rican Agenda; Martha Klein, Chair, CT Chapter Sierra Club. Free.

 

  • Paper Arts Gathering at MakeHartford (30 Arbor Street #B7), 1-3 pm. They say: “This is an opportunity for anyone interested in making, building or doing something with paper to get together to share ideas, projects and dreams. This is an informal session for paper artists who are doing or want to be doing anything to or with paper. Come and share! Come and listen! Come and learn!Please note that the material we will talk about is geared toward professional artists or generally those with a serious interest in the study of the paper arts. We define these widely, from those who create paper to whose who manipulate it in a wide variety of methods. Those with little paper experience who want to see what we’re doing are welcome so long as they understand and are patient.” Free.

 

  •  Artists Against Overdose: silent auction art event at Chango Rosa Tacos (1 Union Place), 6 pm ’til midnight. Proceeds go to AIDS CT for purchase of Naloxone.

 

  • The Vagina Monologues: dramatic reading of the monologues at Charter Oak Cultural Center (21 Charter Oak Avenue), 7:30-9:30 pm. Tickets are $15; proceeds benefit Connecticut TransAdvocacy, Interval House, and My Sister’s Place.

 

  • Red Rock Tavern (369 Capitol Avenue) is hosting Emo Karaoke, 9 pm until midnight. Go to the Facebook event page for more info on this “sad-sing-a-long party.”

 

February 25

 

  • Haneef Nelson performs in the Hartford Public Library’s Center for Contemporary Culture, 3-4 pm. Doors to that room open at 2 pm. This is part of the Baby Grand Jazz series. Free.

 

  • Auburn Mode gives a free performance at Hog River Brewing Company (1429 Park Street), 3-6 pm.

 

Bushnell Park

February 26

  • Have a business and need to learn more about email marketing? Take a free workshop through the Entrepreneurial Center to help you: “Go deeper, not wider by using your most valuable asset, your client list, to facilitate the 3 R’s of business: Repeat Sales, Client Retention, and Drive Referrals. Learn to grow your business 4300% (yes 4300%) with effective email marketing campaigns.” This will take place in the Babcock House (260 Girard Avenue), 9:30-11:30 am. Register online.

 

  • Try guided meditation at Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine), 12-1 pm. Free for Upward Hartford members; $5 for everyone else.

 

  • Monday Movies at Tainted: Doors open at 6:30 pm, movie begins at 7. Tonight’s film: Never Been Kissed. They are asking for a $2 donation. Bring a blanket or floor pillow. Tainted is located at 56 Arbor Street, #310A.

 

February 27

  • Remembering Alice Hamilton: come to the Legislative Office Building (300 Capitol Avenue), 12-1 pm, to learn about a woman “who was a leader in studying workplace hazards such as lead and mercury. She was the first woman professor at Harvard, organized the Workers Health Bureau, and was a strong advocate for women’s and immigrants’ rights.” There is no charge to attend this panel discussion.

 

  • Want to learn about religion and American diplomacy? Trinity College is hosting a free, public talk at 4:30 pm by Dr. Shaun Casey. They say: “Dr. Shaun Casey, director of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs and a professor of the practice in Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, will deliver the lecture, “Religion and American Diplomacy: From Obama to Trump.” During the Obama administration, Casey was appointed by Secretary of State John Kerry to establish and lead the Department of Religion and Global Affairs in the U.S. State Department, which he did for four years. He has also held positions at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., the Center for American Progress, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Casey has written on the ethics of the war in Iraq, as well the role of religion in American presidential politics.” This will take place in Mather Hall’s Alumni Lounge.

 

  • Come to a public meeting of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission, 6-7:30 pm, in City Hall.

 

February 28

  • Rally and Lobby Day for Puerto Rican Families: This family-friendly event will take place at the Connecticut State Capitol (300 Capitol Avenue), 1-4 pm. They put it this way: “There are thousands of new families displaced by Hurricane Maria coming to Connecticut towns and cities that are themselves strained to address decades of economic neglect. The safety and well-being of hurricane victims should not be used to score political points between our state and federal governments. Our families should not be ignored and abandoned by our elected officials who ignore the needs of thousands who continue to flee the island in the hopes of finding relief. It is long overdue that we come together and show the power our community’s ability to show up in numbers and pressure our elected officials to act. We will spend the morning reaching out to our State elected officials to educate them on the needs of our community, and why there is an urgent need for a comprehensive state support package passed in this session.“

 

  • Drink Up! — every Wednesday, Upward Hartford (20 Church Street, mezzanine) hosts a complimentary happy hour and networking event, 4-6 pm.

 

  • Hartford Flavor Company (30 Arbor Street) hosts a women’s empowerment happy hour tonight, 5:30-7:30 pm.

 

  • Mindfulness Meditation After Work: open to all levels, this free class is offered every Wednesday from 6:15-7:45 pm at the Hartford Mindfulness Center (645 Farmington Avenue, ground level).

 

  • MakeHartford Open House: Check out Hartford’s makerspace (30 Arbor Street #B7) and meet other makers. Drop in anytime, 6:30-8:30 pm.
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