Past Events

Firehouse 12 is proud to announce our 2025 Spring Jazz Series.  We are excited to present a roster full of striking musicians, including many familiar faces. The Fully Celebrated Orchestra starts our Spring Series with Jim Hobbs, Timo Shanko, Taylor Ho Bynum, Luther Gray, and Ian Ayers.  Joe Morris returns with Counter Spectacle on April 4th, followed on April 11 by Tomeka Reid's A Tribute to Ellington.  Sexmob, Pheeroan akLaff, and Fred Frith all join us to round out the series.…

Saturday, June 7 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT.  Doors at 7:15pm at The Side Door Jazz Club. George Cables - Piano Essiet Essiet - Bass Jerome Jennings - Drums When George Cables was going to school in New York City he used to walk the streets at night, taking in the cosmopolitan sights and sounds, mentally recording his encounters with “so many different kinds of people.” In his musical career as well, Cables has prowled sidestreets and main thoroughfares in…

On Sunday, June 8th from 4 – 5:30 pm, the first of a 3-concert jazz series (2nd Sundays each month) begins at The Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Rd., Hamden, in their spacious (air-conditioned) auditorium.  Free and open to the public. The Jeff Fuller Quartet will feature vocalist Leala Cyr, along with pianist Darren Litzie and Ben Bilello on drums. A mixture of well-crafted jazz standards.

On Mondays in June from 7 – 8:30 pm, Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction returns to its stomping ground at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

On Tuesday, June 10th, from 5 – 9 pm, if you’re in the area of the Genesis of Milford dealership, 1052 Boston Post Road, stop by and listen to Darren Litzie, Ben Bilello and Jeff Fuller playing jazz for their grand opening event.

Richard Barrata Gotham City Latin Jazz Sextet Join us for a special night of jazz with Drummer Richard Barrata and his Sextet! By The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, June 13 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Refund Policy No Refunds About this event   Event lasts 2 hours 30 minutes ALL AGES   Free venue parking CRAIG HANDY - SAXOPHONES BILL O’CONNELL - PIANO PAUL BOLLENBACK -…

Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin Jazz Sextet Join us for a special night of jazz with Drummer Richard Barrata and his Sextet! By The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, June 13 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT.  Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 CRAIG HANDY - SAXOPHONES BILL O’CONNELL - PIANO PAUL BOLLENBACK - GUITAR MICHAEL GOETZ - BASS PAUL ROSSMAN- PERCUSSION RICHARD BARATTA - DRUMS Grammy Nomimated Richard Baratta was born into a…

Firehouse 12 is proud to announce our 2025 Spring Jazz Series.  We are excited to present a roster full of striking musicians, including many familiar faces. The Fully Celebrated Orchestra starts our Spring Series with Jim Hobbs, Timo Shanko, Taylor Ho Bynum, Luther Gray, and Ian Ayers.  Joe Morris returns with Counter Spectacle on April 4th, followed on April 11 by Tomeka Reid's A Tribute to Ellington.  Sexmob, Pheeroan akLaff, and Fred Frith all join us to round out the series.…

Firehouse 12 is proud to announce our 2025 Spring Jazz Series.  We are excited to present a roster full of striking musicians, including many familiar faces. The Fully Celebrated Orchestra starts our Spring Series with Jim Hobbs, Timo Shanko, Taylor Ho Bynum, Luther Gray, and Ian Ayers.  Joe Morris returns with Counter Spectacle on April 4th, followed on April 11 by Tomeka Reid's A Tribute to Ellington.  Sexmob, Pheeroan akLaff, and Fred Frith all join us to round out the series.…

  The Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio will be performing in concert as part of the 50th Birthday celebration of the Trumbull Public Library on Saturday, June 14th at 11:00 AM.  The event is free but registration is required.  See here for details and registration information: https://trumbull.libcal.com/event/14737952 Joe Carter - guitar, David Finck - bass, Graciliano Zambonin - drums The Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio celebrates the music of Brazil – Samba, Bossa Nova, Choro, Baiao and more.  Their repertoire features songs by Brazil’s classic composers…

April May Webb Quintet Join us for a special night of jazz with Vocalist April May Webb and her Quintet! By The Side Door Jazz Club Saturday, June 14 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Refund Policy No Refunds About this event   Event lasts 2 hours 30 minutes ALL AGES   Free venue parking April May Webb - Vocals Randall Haywood - Trumpet Yayoi Ikawa - Piano…

April May Webb Quintet Join us for a special night of jazz with Vocalist April May Webb and her Quintet! By The Side Door Jazz Club Saturday, June 14 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 April May Webb - Vocals Randall Haywood - Trumpet Yayoi Ikawa - Piano Jacob Webb - Bass Nathan Webb - Drums Sounds of April & Randall is an award-winning jazz ensemble led by…

On Mondays in June from 7 – 8:30 pm, Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction returns to its stomping ground at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

THE MARK KAPLAN JAZZ QUARTET AT GOLF COVE THIS THURSDAY, JUNE 19TH, 7 - 9 p.m.!  Address:  336 State Street, North Haven. C'mon down for a great evening of jazz on Thursday, June 19th!   Mark's stellar rhythm section of Martin Carter, piano, and John Rispoli, drums, will be rounded out by our good friend and monster player, David Chevan, on bass ... and, of course, Mark on the tenor saxophone.

Patricia Brennan Trio The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, June 20 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Patricia Brennan - Vibes Kim Cass - Bass Noel Brennan - Drums -The jazz world can get stuck in a battle between the head and the heart, but rarely do you find an improviser like Patricia Brennan whose music seems to exist in a realm outside the body, but stays loaded with feeling. –…

Allan Harris Quartet Saturday, June 21 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Allan Harris - Vocals/Guitar Rick Germanson - Piano Jason Clotter - Bass Willy Rodriguez - Drums Allan Harris, the Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and band leader, is a true luminary in the world of music. Revered by the Miami Herald as an artist graced with "the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense…

On Mondays in June from 7 – 8:30 pm, Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction returns to its stomping ground at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

On Thursday, June 26th, from 5:30 — 8 pm - vocalist Faye Green, bassist Jeff Fuller and guitarist Michael Coppola at Novelle @ Mohegan Sun.  Should be some excitement and glitz there!  And the same trio performs on Saturday, June 28th from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Café Amici, 1640 Whitney Ave., Hamden.

Carl Allen Quintet at The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, June 27 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Eddie Allen - Trumpet Rodney Jones - Guitar Cyrus Chestnut - Piano Joe Martin- Bass Carl Allen - Drums “My ultimate goal is to get to level like Art Blakey, Art Taylor, Elvin Jones, and Billy Higgins … who every time they sit down behind a set of drums it’s swinging….” With over…

On Saturday, June 28th from 6:30 – 9:30 pm - vocalist Faye Green, bassist Jeff Fuller and guitarist Michael Coppola at Novelle @ Mohegan Sun perform at Café Amici, 1640 Whitney Ave., Hamden.

Mark Kaplan Jazz Quartet Saturday, June 28,·7:00 – 9:00pm The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA

On Mondays in June from 7 – 8:30 pm, Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction returns to its stomping ground at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

An Evening With Metta Quintet The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, July 4 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Wayne Escofferey - Tenor Saxophone Christopher McBride - Alto Saxophone Lawrence Fields - Piano Adi Meyerson - Bass Hans Schuman - Drums METTA QUINTET is the official resident ensemble of the nationally recognized, NYC-based not-for-profit, JazzReach Performing Arts & Education Association, Inc. A highly creative unit featuring some of the most dynamic,…

On Saturday, July 5th at 7:00 pm the long anticipated reunion of the original Sambeleza band takes place at Best Video Film & Cultural Center, 1842 Whitney Ave., Hamden.  Join renowned jazz bassist Jeff Fuller and vocalist/pianist Isabella Mendes, guitarist Joe Carter, and special guest Graci Liano on drums, in a program of familiar and not-so-familiar bossa novas and sambas. $15 cover.

An Evening With Metta Quintet & Very Special Guests The Side Door on Saturday, July 5 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Special Guests - TBD Wayne Escofferey - Tenor Saxophone Christopher McBride - Alto Saxophone Lawrence Fields - Piano Adi Meyerson - Bass Hans Schuman - Drums METTA QUINTET is the official resident ensemble of the nationally recognized, NYC-based not-for-profit, JazzReach Performing Arts & Education Association, Inc. A highly creative unit featuring some of the most dynamic, sought…

Mondays in July from 7 – 8:30 pm,  Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction  at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

Orrin Evans Trio with Special Guest Vocalist JD Walter Friday, July 11 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 JD Walter - Vocals Orrin Evans - Piano Matthew Parrish - Bass Byron Landham - Drums Orrin Evans: In the booklet notes for Orrin Evans’ second album, Captain Black, recorded in 1998, the pianist, then 23, made a remark that encapsulates the aesthetic he’s followed ever since on his kaleidoscopic…

Orrin Evans Trio with Special Guest Vocalist JD Walter Saturday, July 12 Orrin Evans Trio with Special Guest Vocalist JD Walter Saturday, July 12 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 JD Walter - Vocals Orrin Evans - Piano Matthew Parrish - Bass Byron Landham - Drums Orrin Evans: In the booklet notes for Orrin Evans’ second album, Captain Black, recorded in 1998, the pianist, then 23, made a…

The 2nd of a 3-concert jazz series (2nd Sundays each month) begins at The Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Rd., Hamden, in their spacious (air-conditioned) auditorium.  Free and open to the public. On Sunday, July 13th, the reunion of the “Original” Sambeleza, featuring Isabella Mendes on piano & vocals, bassist Jeff Fuller, guitarist Joe Carter and drummer Ben Bilello in a great program of Brazilian music – bossa novas and sambas.

Sunday, July 13th from 4 – 5:30 pm, at The Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Rd., Hamden,  ~ Sambeleza, with Jeff Fuller on bass, Isabella Mendes on piano & vocals, guitarist Joe Carter and drummer Ben Bilello ~ in another of Brazilian music in the Center’s spacious and air-conditioned auditorium.  Free and open to the public.

Mondays in July from 7 – 8:30 pm,  Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction  at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

On Friday, July 18th from 7 – 8:30 pm the Blue Lion Trio (Rich Sylvester, drums, Jeff Fuller, bass, and David Childs, piano) in the very cozy Obodo Serendipity Books, 3588 Main Street, Stratford.  $10 cover - includes a glass of wine.

Jerry Weldon Quartet Join us for a special night of jazz with Saxophonist Jerry Weldon and his Quartet! Friday, July 18 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT 06371 Jerry Weldon - Tenor Saxophone Mike Bond - Piano Jason Clotter - Bass Hank Allen-Barfield - Drums About JERRY Internationally renowned veteran sax man Jerry Weldon, has been a player on the jazz scene for more than 45 years. With eight…

On Saturday, July 19th from 7 – 10 pm,  singer Faye Green, bassist Jeff Fuller and guitarist Michael Coppola at Station House wine and sushi bar, 2520 Main Street, Stratford, CT.

Jen Allen Sextet CD Release Show Jen Allen Sextet CD Release Sh By The Side Door Jazz Club Saturday, July 19 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St,  Old Lyme, CT 06371 Leala Cyr - Vocals Alejandra Sofia - Vocals Dan Liparini - Guitar Jen Allen - Piano Matt Dwonszyk - Bass Jonathan Barber - Drums Jen Allen is a dynamic pianist, composer, author, and educator, captivating audiences worldwide with her artistry and…

Sunday, July 20th from 5 — 8 pm, renowned bassist Jeff Fuller be playing solo piano at The Cuckoo’s Nest, one of the state’s top Mexican restaurants, located at 1712 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, CT.   The Nest used to be Jeff's regular Thursday night gig (for 24 years!) with pianist Charlie Sutton; Jeff is filling in for Charlie while he travels.

Mondays in July from 7 – 8:30 pm,  Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction  at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

On Friday, July 25th from 6 — 9 pm, bassist Jeff Fuller and pianist Darren Litzie to join me at a new music venue, the Bangkok Room, 76 Main Street, Ansonia.  By the way, the food looks absolutely enticing!

Bill O'Connell Trio with Santi Debriano and Billy Ha By The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, July 25 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Bill O'Connell - Piano Santi Debriano - Bass Billy Hart - Drums Bill O’Connell is a living example of what can happen when the old axiom “Good things come to those who wait” is put to the test. His professional career spans almost half…

Andrew Wilcox Trio with Avery Sharpe and Yoron Israel By The Side Door Jazz Club Saturday, July 26 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Andrew Wilcox - Piano Avery Sharpe - Bass Yoron Israel - Drums Andrew is one of Hartford’s rising young musicians. Originally from Boylston, MA, Andrew has proven himself to be a talented young pianist, with a passion to learn, grow and play. After moving…

Mondays in July from 7 – 8:30 pm,  Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction  at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

Mondays in August from 7 – 8:30 pm,  Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction  at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

August 7, 2025    6-7 PM The Joe Carter Samba Rio Duo Joe Carter – guitar David Finck - bass Burlington Library, 34 Library lane, Burlington, CT Free admission, all welcome, registration required on website: https://burlingtonctlibrary.org

Vinicius Gomes Quintet - Special Guest SongYi Jeon By The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, August 8 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Guest: Songyi Jeon - Vocals Vinicuis Gomes - Guitar Vardan Ovsepian - Piano Matt Penman - Bass Ele Howell - Drums São Paulo born and New York based guitarist/composer, Vinicius Gomes explores the dialogue between modern jazz and Brazilian music, as registered on his debut…

August 9, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM The Laura Volpintesta – Joe Carter Duo Laura Volpintesta – vocals, percussion Joe Carter – guitar Danbury Street Fair Danbury Post Office 265 Main Street Danbury, CT Free admission, all welcome

Billy Drummond and Freedom of Ideas By The Side Door Jazz Club Saturday, August 9 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St , Old Lyme, CT 06371 Billy Drummond - Drums Steve Wilson - Saxophones Adam Birnbaum - Piano Dezron Douglas - Bass Billy Drummond: A Jazz Drumming Legend Acclaimed by Downbeat as “one of the hippest bandleaders now at work,” Billy Drummond’s thrilling, powerful, and highly musical playing has also made him…

The 3rd of a 3-concert jazz series (2nd Sundays each month) begins at The Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Rd., Hamden, in their spacious (air-conditioned) auditorium.  Free and open to the public. On Sunday, August 10th, Ben Bilello and Jeff Fuller will be joined by the great duo of Atla & Matt DeChamplain, voice and piano respectively.  They’re CT’s best husband/wife jazz couple ~ real talent and wide experience!

On Monday, August 11th from 6:30-8:30 pm, bassist Jeff Fuller and drummer Ryan Sands will be joining Goodnight Moonshine, the combined brainchild of singer/songwriter Molly Venter and Eben Pariser, who’ve created a stunning repertoire of original country-tinged folk-jazz!  They’ll be performing on the lawn of the Goodspeed Opera House, 6 Main Street, East Haddam, CT.  Free, open to the public.

Mondays in August from 7 – 8:30 pm,  Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction  at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

Jazz at the Station House Wine Bar and Grill with the Shoreline Jazz Duo Steve Roane - Bass Rich Meyers - Vibraphone Thursday August 14th 6PM-9PM 2520 Main Street Stratford, CT 203.377.1648    

Friday 8/15 @ The Bangkok Room in Ansonia

Aaron Goldberg Trio with John Patitucci and Obed Calvaire By The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, August 15 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Aaron Goldberg - Piano John Patitucci - Bass Obed Calvaire - Drums “For over 20 years, pianist Aaron Goldberg has set himself apart as one of the most scintillating performers in jazz,” hails JazzTimes. Goldberg is widely heralded as one of the art form’s…

Aaron Goldberg Trio with John Patitucci and Obed Calvaire By The Side Door Jazz Club Saturday, August 16 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Aaron Goldberg - Piano John Patitucci - Bass Obed Calvaire - Drums “For over 20 years, pianist Aaron Goldberg has set himself apart as one of the most scintillating performers in jazz,” hails JazzTimes. Goldberg is widely heralded as one of the art form’s…

Mondays in August from 7 – 8:30 pm,  Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction  at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

On Wednesday, August 20th from 7 – 9 pm,  Allen Lowe & The All-Stars will perform at Best Video Film & Cultural Center, 1842 Whitney Ave., Hamden, for a jazz session with “a coterie of musical guests,” including Jeff Fuller, Gary Grippo, Barry Ries, and Mark Kaplan. $10 cover.

August 21, 2025, 7:30 and 8:45 sets Sambeleza Isabella Mendes – vocals, piano Joe Carter – guitar Jeff Fuller  - bass Samuel Martinelli – drums Jazz @ the Post VFW Post 399 465 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT Tickets - $20, $15 students, seniors, veterans

August 22, 2025, 6-9 PM Joe Carter, guitar with bassist Jeff Fuller Bangkok Room 76 Main Street Ansonia, CT Reservations: 203.516.5345

Sarah Hanahan Quartet By The Side Door Jazz Club Friday, August 22 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Sarah Hanahan is an emerging jazz saxophonist based in New York City and a leading voice in the world of alto saxophone. A graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music (B.A., 2019) and The Juilliard School (M.M., 2022), Sarah has studied with jazz…

Sarah Hanahan Quartet By The Side Door Jazz Club Saturday, August 23 · 8 - 10:30pm EDT. Doors at 7:15pm The Side Door, 85 Lyme St Old Lyme, CT 06371 Sarah Hanahan is an emerging jazz saxophonist based in New York City and a leading voice in the world of alto saxophone. A graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music (B.A., 2019) and The Juilliard School (M.M., 2022), Sarah has studied with jazz…

Mondays in August from 7 – 8:30 pm,  Pat Todd’s Tuxedo Junction  at the Guilford VFW Hall, 104 Mill Road, Guilford, CT.  TJ is a big band with a swingin’ and danceable repertoire, and their “open rehearsals” are more like shows, so bring your dancing shoes.  Open to the public, cash bar, free admission.

THE MARK KAPLAN JAZZ QUARTET AT GOLF COVE THIS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27TH, 7 - 9 p.m.! C'mon down for a great evening of straight-ahead jazz!  Jazz saxophonist Mark Kaplan will be joined by Martin Carter, piano; David Chevan, bass; and John Rispoli, drums. Golf Cove, 336 State Street, North Haven, is a friendly venue with a nice menu and full bar. Plus, there's NO COVER and plenty of parking. So, great jazz, food, full bar, no cover, and you're out…