Hartford Public Library’s highly popular Baby Grand Jazz series is back for its 22nd season in 2026; with a spectacular line-up of the best jazz musicians in the region.
Enjoy every Sunday at 3:00PM from January 4th through Sunday April 26th. Tune in virtually on Hartford Public Library’s Facebook page, Youtube channel or HPATV.
Saxophonist Matt Parker brings together an all-star ensemble for a special Baby Grand Jazz performance featuring pianist Richard X Bennett, trombonist Reggie Watkins, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, and drummer Jerome Jennings. A recent transplant to the Hartford area, Parker moved his family here five years ago, drawn by the region’s cultural richness and sense of community. Now deeply rooted in Connecticut, Parker is proud to share his music with his new hometown audience. This group brings a unique blend of fire and finesse. Parker—described by DownBeat Magazine as creating “restlessly inventive” music that “transcends easily categorizable genres or contemporary attitudes, instead adding up to a picturesque and cinematic whole”—joins forces with longtime collaborators Watkins (Pittsburgh, PA), a soulful powerhouse on trombone, and Bennett (Brooklyn, NY), a boundary-pushing pianist known for his groove-driven compositions. Anchored by Hartford’s own Matt Dwonszyk (Hartford, CT) and the dynamic Jerome Jennings (New York City) on drums, this performance promises deep swing, inventive interplay, and joyful spontaneity. This is more than just a concert—it’s a musical homecoming.
Matt Parker - Tenor and Soprano Saxophone
Reggie Watkins - Trombone
Richard X Bennett - Baby Grand Piano
Matt Dwonszyk - Acoustic Bass
Jerome Jennings - Drums and Cymbals
AGE GROUP: | Youth | Teens | Family | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Arts |
TAGS: | Music | Matt Parkler | Jazz | Baby Grand Jazz |
| Mon, Dec 29 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Tue, Dec 30 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Wed, Dec 31 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Thu, Jan 01 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Fri, Jan 02 | 9:30AM to 5:00PM |
| Sat, Jan 03 | 9:00AM to 5:00PM |
| Sun, Jan 04 | 1:00PM to 5:00PM |
Hartford Public Library’s history spans more than 235 years. We can trace its very beginnings to the Library Company, formally organized in 1774 by a few subscribers to purchase a "collection of useful and religious books". And now, the library is a national leader in redefining the urban public library in the 21st century as an innovative and stimulating place where people can learn and discover, explore their passions, and find a rich array of resources that contribute to a full life.
LOCATIONS & HOURS
500 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
860-695-6300
Downtown Library
Monday - Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
NEED HELP?
Phone: (860) 695-6300
Email: reference@hplct .org
Institute of Museum and Library Services
