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 15, 2026
Jen Allen is a dynamic pianist, composer, and author who captivates audiences worldwide. From New York City to Europe and beyond, she performs with her own bands or collaborates with acclaimed ensembles, appearing at renowned events like the Winnipeg Jazz Festival and Litchfield Jazz Festival. She’s shared the stage with jazz greats such as Don Braden, Nat Reeves, Freddie Hendrix Jimmy Greene, and Camille Thurman, to name a few. Her discography includes her upcoming release, Possibilities, her sophomore album Sifting Grace, her debut Pieces of Myself, and collaborative works like Raise Up. Jen also appears on many other albums as a sideman. Jen’s creative footprint extends to compositions for big bands, string quartets, and ensembles, earning her a spot in the elite BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. Jen Allen created a new multi-artistic piece called Collective Breath, which weaves together music and visuals to guide audiences through an immersive journey. The work is designed to foster self-awareness, deepen connections with others, and strengthen one’s relationship with the world around them. By integrating breathwork and music, Collective Breath creates a powerful space for personal reflection and shared connection Jen was the recipient of the 2023 Artistic Excellence Award for the Connecticut Artist Fellowship Program and the 2024 Greenstage Artist Award. Jen’s academic achievements include degrees in performance and composition from The Hartt School and UMASS Amherst. She is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Trinity College in Hartford. Passionate about education, her educational contributions extend to masterclasses, clinics, jazz camps and guest conducting engagements across the United States and internationally. Her jazz piano method book Sitting In (co-authored with Noah Baerman) won Music Inc. Magazine's Editor's Choice Award. My music is emotionally intimate and often paints sonic portraits of life, nature, and human connection while always deeply rooted in the jazz tradition.
Jen Allen- piano
Matt Dwonszyk- bass
Jonathan Barber- drums
Dan Liparini- guitar
AGE GROUP: | Youth | Teens | Family | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Arts |
TAGS: | Music | Jen Allen and Heart Alchemy | Jazz | Baby Grand Jazz |
| Mon, Jan 12 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Tue, Jan 13 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Wed, Jan 14 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Thu, Jan 15 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Fri, Jan 16 | 9:30AM to 5:00PM |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 9:00AM to 5:00PM |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 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
