WeHa United in Jazz will return to West Hartford’s Blue Back Square on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2-5 p.m.

Submitted

On Saturday, Sept. 27, WeHa United in Jazz returns with top jazz musicians to Webster Walk at Blue Back Square for a day of music and engagement. The event is free and open to all. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair. The rain location is in the Town Hall auditorium, 50 South Main St.

WeHa United in Jazz starts at 2 p.m. with a meet-and-greet featuring professional musicians, where attendees can ask questions and learn about their careers.

Carl Cox, a touring saxophonist and solo recording artist, takes the stage at 3 p.m. for 90 minutes of jazz alongside guest musicians.

Cox can be seen performing nationally and abroad with a variety of musical icons, including Smokey Robinson, Maysa, Incognito, Gerald Veasley, and many more. His expertise on the saxophone can be heard on a variety of major, Grammy Award-winning recordings, as well as in live performances and on national radio. Many of his solo career singles can also be heard on XM Radio, which has earned the top spots on the Billboard chart.

Cox grew up in Deptford, New Jersey, where he currently teaches high school music and shares his passion for performance with his students. He received his bachelor’s degree in saxophone performance and master’s in education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Shortly after graduating, he began to receive calls from touring acts for playing in various jam sessions around the area, leading to a great deal of recording, television appearances, and tours in the past 20 years.

WeHa United in Jazz is funded through a grant to The Bridge Family Center’s Turning Points program, which supports at-risk youth and young adults. The program aims to connect youth with their greater community, help them improve their academic performance, and avoid high-risk behavior. The event sponsors are The Bridge Family Center, the West Hartford Police Department, and WHAASCO (West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization), West Hartford Prevention Partnership, and School of Rock West Hartford.

Margaret Hann, executive director of The Bridge Family Center, said, “The Bridge is pleased to once again sponsor WeHa United in Jazz. Music has a way of connecting all of us while celebrating our uniqueness and our similarities. The dedication and vision of Chief Riddick and the late Earl Exum have brought us all together – united in our love of jazz.”

Police Chief Vern Riddick, Jr., said, “Earl Exum and I recognized the value of breaking down barriers through music. This event brings the police department and the community together, allowing them to have a good time and foster relationships in a unique setting. We are proud to be a sponsor.”

Al Taylor, president of ACT Jams Productions and Founder and chairman of the Brass City Jazz Fest in Waterbury, said, “I am passionate about music, and I am excited to bring top musicians like Carl Cox to West Hartford. This is the perfect event for aspiring musicians to experience!”

Kaleea Alston-Griffin, president of WHAASCO, said, “WeHa United in Jazz aligns with our organization’s mission, building camaraderie through music in a safe, dynamic space.”

WHAASCO’s mission is to foster fair and equitable participation for people of the Black/African diaspora in the civic, political, economic, educational, and cultural activities within the West Hartford community.

The Bridge Family Center and West Hartford’s Prevention Partnership will share resources and information during the event.

Schedule of Events

• 2-3 p.m.: Meet & Greet with musicians
• 3-4:30 p.m.: Jazz Concert
• 2-5 p.m.: Prevention Partnership resources
• 4:30-5 p.m.: Closing remarks & Music

Parking is available in the Isham and Memorial municipal garages, the Town Hall municipal lot, and on the street. Fees apply.

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