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.
February 8, 2026
Founded in 2006 by Grammy-nominated violinist and award-winning composer Meg Okura, the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble (PACJE) performs original works that intersect jazz and classical chamber music practices. The New York Times described Okura’s compositions as “a grandiloquent beauty that transitions easily from grooves to big cascades to buoyant swing.” PACJE has performed at leading venues and festivals including the Kennedy Center, Birdland, Blue Note, Winter JazzFest, and the Kuala Lumpur Jazz Festival. Their four albums include Naima (2010) and IMA IMA (2018), with a new release—MEG OKURA by Meg Okura & the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble—featuring legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker. Regina Carter called the album “a profound musical statement—an emotionally rich and expansive work that highlights her exceptional talents as a composer, violinist, and visionary bandleader.” Tokyo-native and New York-based, Okura has also performed and recorded with Michael Brecker, Lee Konitz, Steve Swallow, Tom Harrell, and John Zorn, among others. Her compositions have been performed by chamber groups including Soli Chamber Ensemble and Unheard-of Ensemble. She is the recipient of the ISJAC Fundamental Freedoms Commission Prize and the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra’s George Duke Commissioning Prize.
Meg Okura - violin
Brian Marsella - piano
Sam Newsome - soprano Saxophone
Evan Gregor - bass
Peter Kronreif - drums
Anne Drummond - flute
Sam Sadigursky - bass clarinet
Dave Smith - trumpet
Matt McDonald - trombone
AGE GROUP: | Youth | Teens | Family | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Arts |
TAGS: | PACJE | Music | Meg Okura & The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble | Jazz | Baby Grand Jazz |
| Mon, Jan 05 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Tue, Jan 06 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Wed, Jan 07 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Thu, Jan 08 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Fri, Jan 09 | 9:30AM to 5:00PM |
| Sat, Jan 10 | 9:00AM to 5:00PM |
| Sun, Jan 11 | 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
