June 5 – Bia Javier
Bia Javier is an emerging singer-songwriter from Lawrence, MA, who fuses R&B with Latin music to celebrate her Dominican roots and pay homage to her love of R&B. Using her life experience and perspective, she writes vulnerable and honest lyrics that appeal to many listeners. She creates music using her bilingualism in English and Spanish to introduce listeners to a Caribbean ambiance while connecting with people from all backgrounds. Her works have been featured on various blogs and media outlets such as BuzzMusic LA, Spark FM, Major Stage, and Sofar Sounds, with performances in Boston MA, Brooklyn NY, and Austin Texas. Listeners can find her work on all streaming platforms.
Biajaviermusic.com
June 12 – The POSSM – The Professors of Sweet, Sweet Music
The Professors of Sweet, Sweet Music (POSSM) won of the Best of Hartford Readers Poll three years in a row and are co-creators of the Hartbeat Music Festival. According to the Hartford Courant, they “have been turning the Hartford music scene on its ear for the last couple years. Few bands have exploded onto the Hartford music scene the way the POSSM has. The band’s brand of pop-infused rock can be downright infectious at times”.
June 19 – The Lost Tribe
An Afro-funk fusion ensemble, led by multi-percussionist Jocelyn Pleasant. Their sound winds through many genres that are rooted in West African rhythms and sensibilities; blending tradition with innovation and keeping the DRUM at the forefront.
August 7 – Ru Williams
Ru “Love” Williams, a CT native, is an extraordinary, singer, songwriter, performer, and hometown favorite, who never disappoints. Ru is a former signed artist to Universal records; he is a two-time Male Vocalist Champion on B.E.T’s Wild Out Wednesday and was named Connecticut’s 2015 R&B Artist of the Year.
He has been the opening act for Ne-Yo, Slim (formerly of 112), Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, Bobby Valentino and many more. Williams has a catalog of original music, dating back to 2010. His current EP entitled Made 2 Enjoy, released in August of 2023, is a mix of R&B and Afrobeats. Ru is currently pushing his Ep and has performed both in the U.S. and internationally, including Tanzania (Africa), and Dubai. His style can most accurately be described as a “return to real R&B”. Ru Williams’ sound has a universal appeal that will reach everyone.
August 14 – Austin Philips Trio
Austin Phillips is an East-Coast-based jazz guitarist born in Medina, Ohio. Phillips started playing the guitar at the age of eight, and soon after this discovered a love of jazz through the music of Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.
He furthered his music education via a scholarship to the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School, where he was mentored by Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Zaccai Curtis, Javon Jackson, and Rich Goldstein. Phillips has shared the stage with musicians such as Peter Bernstein, Nat Reeves, Jonathan Barber, Steve Davis, played as a member of the Ryan Sands Trio, and continues to grow as a young musician.
He performs all over the northeast at venues such as Black Eyed Sally’s, Global Jazz Club, Parkville Market Summer Stage – and now, Bushnell Park’s Hopgood/Lord Summer Music Series.
In March of 2023, Austin made his debut live recording, “Maroon Presents: The Austin Phillips Trio Live in Hartford” featuring Matt Dwonszyk on bass and Akin Hobson on drums. The recording features original music as well as interpretations of jazz standards by the trio.
“He is a very talented guitarist, budding composer, & arranger” – Steve Davis
August 21 – The Haneef N. Nelson Quintet
The Haneef N. Nelson Quintet is a band that blends original material with classic standards to bring a fresh perspective to the music they play. They have played with a who’s who of the jazz world as individuals, but when they come together to make music, it’s always something special and is always a great show.