It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Today marks the second week of Hartford's Festival of Light at their new Bushnell Park location. I'm not going to get into how underwhelmed you may have been for a free light show a couple weeks ago because someone once told me that opinions are a lot like...let's just say sphincters. Frankly, I don't get the big deal about strings of lights this year. Sure they're pretty, but they're still going on in Constitution Plaza and there's youtube videos all over the internet with fantastic displays. And I know the people bitching the loudest are the same ones that bitch about "nothing new" happening in Hartford. Well this is new. Don't be that guy. Don't be crotchety. Don't complain about stuff that you haven't even experienced yet just because it's not what you were expecting. Imagine if you were that way in the bedroom; you'd never get laid. Well, you would, but probably only by the Amish.

Anyway...Amish sex aside, I really need Hartford people to get to the park. It's all well and good when we get visitors to Hartford, but I want these free skates and beautiful displays to benefit the residents in high numbers. Working for the city for years, I've had people give me some ridiculous complaints (usually regarding parking in the wrong and getting ticketed) followed by the line that grinds my effing gears, "This would never happen in my town!" Yeah, it probably wouldn't. But I'm also not allowed to bring my nephews and nieces to swim in your pool for free in your town since I'm not a resident. You have no theaters, no residents in low-income housing to care for and generally nothing else to do in your town and you like it that way. I don't mean that to sound like a jab, but if you wanted to live in a city and deal with parking, crowds and establishments that stay open late, you would. And while people come into Hartford and complain about all that is wrong when they visit, the tax paying residents in dire straits don't even get to benefit from all Hartford has to offer. A single mother of 3 working 2 jobs can't afford to take her children to the CT Science Center in her own backyard. Some of my friends didn't even know about the Taste of Hartford until it was posted about in my blog.

I'm taking phase 2 of FOL as the City's way of saying "thank you" to us city-dwellers. Thank you for dealing with the traffic while people speed through your neighborhoods to make it to a UCONN game. Thank you for dealing with delays in bus service so people can publicly drink and barf in your streets for massive parades that very few of you will actually attend. Thank you for paying insanely high taxes to fix roads that many residents throughout the state will use. Your reward: a free ice skating rink in the park through January 6th. An additional thank you: free rental of ice skates!

Do not let this opportunity pass you buy! I want to see residents there! I want to hear how much fun we had skating around. From Barry Square to Blue Hills, the West End to Clay Hill, we are all Hartford, and we all need to take advantage of what our city has and not leave it all to visitors. This is our home. Let's live in it.

For more details, Real Hartford has provided the details from the Press Release from the City of Hartford's Communication Department.

Black Owned Business Week: Jessica Designs Jewelry

Tis the season to be bombarded with annoying ads for jewelry, like the Zales one where that woman is ice skating with her grandpa sugar daddy and he pulls out some bling to make up for his brittle bones? Well that's all well and good, and I know Kay Jewelers and Jane Seymour need money too. But this year, how about we leave the mass produced apology jewelry to those who save shopping for their spouses til Christmas Eve, shall we?

This year, why not buy something unique and beautiful from a designer right here in Hartford? Jessica Designs' pieces are as elegant and tasteful, with styles that fit everyone's taste and personal flair. The pieces range from something simple for everyday in the office, or a classy holiday party (hint hint). Just look through her website and you'll see what amazing talent she has. You ever go to the beach with some girls who stop every 5 seconds to collect rocks and shells and they're like, "I'm going to make a necklace!" even though you know you'll never see this necklace, but you nod and smile anyway cuz you want to get in her pants? (what? just me?) I'm pretty sure Jessica is the person who actually makes the necklace and makes it look mag-effing-nificent.

Nothing on the site hitting the nail on the head? That's cool, just call her up and talk to her about making something custom for you. She's good like that. You can also arrange for an in home show, so that way you can help her generate some business with your friends AND earn money towards some jewelry of your own! It's kind of like those other jewelry parties your friends have, but less pyramid-like and you can be all progressive and brag about how you support local artists.

Behind the intricate designs, Jess is a gem herself. She comes in the room wearing a smile and some of her beautiful creations, telling you all about what she's been up to in her soft spoken way. This is good, because I don't like giving my money to mean people. Unless they work at McDonalds cuz I needs me my Big Macs.

Being that it is the season of giving, or if you're not into that then consider this your lucky December, all jewelry will be 10% off with free shipping until December 24th! So even if you don't celebrate Christmahannukwanzicas but you want to get down on some badass jewelry, I'd suggest making your first purchase not now, but right now!

Jessica Designs
(860) 478-1261
jessica@jessicadesignsjewelry.com
http://www.jessicadesignsjewlry.com

Black Owned Business Week: Hot Pots

Listen, because I am going to drop some serious knowledge on you right now. Hot Pots on Main Street is what's really good in the hood.

A couple months ago, a man came by my office to hand me a menu for Hot Pots' new truck that would be stationed in the Old State House Square. A coworker told me that she was excited to try the truck's food, because the restaurant's was "off the chain." Though I don't eat much in one sitting, I consider myself a bit of a foodie. I know what I like and I'll drive to the ends of the Earth to get it. So when I was told there was a soul food restaurant that I hadn't tried, I was a bit offended that not only had I not heard of it, but they had been around long enough to expand to a truck. My coworker goes on to say that the restaurant has mac and cheese, collard greens, potato salad and other delicious sides "just like your mom would make." Shows how much you know, lady, because my mother only cooks like that once a year, therefore I have a serious soul food deficiency at all other times.

First I walked to the truck and got some fried fish that really did taste like someone in my family would've made it. I could just see my grandmother rolling some whiting in corn meal and emptying her well seasoned grease into a pan from the can on the back of the stove. As I devoured the perfectly flaky fish, I decided that a trip to the actual restaurant was in order.

Before going, I asked a couple people if they knew where it was. They looked me up and down and said, "I don't know if you'd like it on that side of town" with a tone that suggested the restaurant was on the corner of Rape and Stabby. I've lived in Hartford most of my life, so I know that though unfortunate incidents do happen in my fair city, I'm not going to let fear keep me from trying out new things on certain sides of town. (especially at lunch time on a Tuesday. C'mon!) A quick Google search showed me that the restaurant was at the intersection of Main and Nelson, a stone's throw away from the church I grew up in and my old hair dresser. If I had any fears, they were now gone.

The place is small with just one table, so much like a Chinese restaurant, staying isn't really encouraged. (Except I hear that outside of Hartford, Chinese restaurants have multiple tables? That's insane to me. Chinese is to be eaten in front of the TV or maybe, maybe around the table with your friends directly out of the box like people do on TV.) The menu is short, which I like because choices just make my brain hurt. I ordered the bbq chicken meal with collard greens and candied yams, along with a side of mac & cheese because I couldn't drive all the way there and NOT try the mac. The staff was pleasant and got right to work on my meal while I had a conversation with a man who warned me that I would want to finish my entire plate, but I wouldn't be able to. I laughed and told him about my awesome power of self-control and he kinda laughed back at me as if to say, "yeah right."

When my order came up, I was handed what felt like 5lbs of food. The whole way back to my office, the smells taunted me. I never got to a long enough light to reach in the bag and nosh on a chicken leg. Back at my office, I opened the container to a massive amount of oh.my.gosh...pardon my French but fucking delicious food. yeah...F Bomb up in this piece. That's how good. I don't know if you're familiar with the phrase "smack your mama good," but let's just say my mother is lucky she works in Wethersfield. (or maybe I'm lucky, because I'm pretty sure slapping my mother is grounds for a coma) That guy warned me that I'd want to finish my plate, and he didn't lie. I think I ate until food was ready to come out of my ears.

For $11 ($8 for the chicken along with 2 sides of your choice, $3 for the extra side I got) I was able to eat lunch, and split the leftovers with my girlfriend for dinner the next day. I'm sure other people don't eat as little as I, but even those with big appetites would surely get their money's worth from here.

Hot Pots
2374 Main Street
Hartford, CT
(860) 241-0200)
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11a-7:30p (I saw a sign that also mentioned that they are opened Sundays until 4:30p. If I went to church, that would be a perfect after church meal! Since I do not, heathen game day dinner? I think so.)

Black Owned Business Week: Anya Production Studios

A long long time ago in a galaxy far away, two creative juggernauts (yup, I said juggernauts) combined their forces for the power of good, much like a Power Ranger, and decided to take the world by storm!

...Actually it wasn't that long ago and it was right here in CT, but the taking the world by storm part is quickly coming into fruition. Chances are you've seen a picture on Facebook, Twitter or even some blog about what black people do in Hartford with the elegant "TimeFrozen" watermark in the corner. Look at the model, now back to me, now back to the model, now back to me...sadly, your makeup is probably not as fierce as hers. But it would be if you were using the services of Painted by Brettnee.

On October 14th, TimeFrozen Photography and Painted By Bretnee opened Anya Production Studios, bringing a gorgeous photography and makeup studio right to Hartford. And believe me when I tell you, these two can do ANYTHING. Whether it's getting your makeup and pictures on point for your 30th birthday party, taking the headache out of selecting a photographer AND makeup artist for your wedding, or even shooting a friggin music video*, seriously...ANYTHING.

Behind the lens is Keith Claytor, always armed with a camera, a bright smile, and the most insane artistic eye that I've ever seen. This guy could make your morning eye crust look beautiful. His wife, Chinenye, has her own creative eye with a soft-spoken but firm voice. Watching the two of them together is surely where the term "well-oiled machine" came from, as they seamlessly come together to make every shot perfect. Holding the brush is Brettnee Nelson; beautiful, bubbly and brilliant, your face is morphed into her canvas as you sit in her chair. She's not limited to enhancing your features with some lip gloss and eyeshadow, but can also turn a person into a walking work of art.

If you've read all this and you're still thinking of choosing someone else to handle your fashion show, I will slap you in the mouth when I see you. Seriously. Back handed. Here's their contact info, because I don't want you coming up with any lame excuses when I go to slap you:

Timefrozen Photography
Email: keith@timefrozen.com
Phone: (860) 656-7494
www.timefrozen.com

Painted By Brettnee
Email: paintedbybrettnee@gmail.com
Phone: (860) 874-9546
www.paintedbybrettnee.com



*the music video was co-created with Rabbit Ears Media, another fine Hartford artist!

Black Owned Business Week: Nu Style Cut Creators

To kick off this week, I decided to lead with my most used black-owned business. Whenever my locs are in need of a touch up, I drive down to Nu Style Cut Creators on Ann (Uccello) Street for the most prompt service that I have ever had at a black salon. Not to say that there's no one else in the city that will service you AT 10:30 when they made an appointment with you, but it's a rare find.

I get my locs twisted by Cedric Robinson, the owner of the shop, and he has a full staff of beauticians and barbers to meet any of your other hair needs. I've been coming to the shop since I went natural 2 years ago, and I'm always beyond satisfied with the service there. Beyond being able to do hair for all the different types of people that come in the shop, everyone who works there is just nice. You walk in the door and you're greeted with a smile from everyone behind a chair. I've had experiences where I walk in a shop and not one person looks me in the eye, or even asks me who I'm there to see. That would never happen at Nu Style, because as Cedric has told me many times before, he WANTS you to have a good experience in his shop. He understands that your time is just as valuable as his, so if he says your appointment is at 2:15, by 2:16 you're getting your hair washed. It should go without saying that you're expected to respect he and his staff's time as well, so no CP Time here. I forgot I had an appointment once and ended up running all the way to the shop to make it on time.

Since the shop has been open they've taken on more than just hair, adding a nail technician on-site and massages earlier this year. You can treat yourself to a one stop day of pampering right downtown!

If you're looking for a shop with raunchy locker room talk, you're out of luck. The conversation in the shop is never off-color so don't worry about having to cover kids' ears. The place is always clean, so you never have to walk home with more hair on your shoes than on your head, and at the end of the visit, everyone in the shop shouts a warm, "see ya later" as you leave.

If you're thinking about finding a new spot to get your hurr did, consider Nu Style. I know it sounds like a pain in the butt trying to find parking downtown, but the shop is very close to Allyn Street, which means there's plenty of parking during the day since those clubs and bars don't open til the shop is closed. Usually though, I luck out and find a spot right out front or across the street. Just don't forget to pay at the parking kiosk. The parking is ample, but they still ticket.


Contact:
Nu Style Cut Creators
183 Ann Street
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 560-3600

Theme Week #1: Black-Owned Businesses

What it is, people? I've been somewhere between busy and forgetful lately, and because of this the blog has suffered tremendously. I assure you that black people are still doing things, but I haven't been participating or blogging like I should have been.

In an effort to get myself back in the swing of things, I'm going to make up a theme week. The reasons for this are tri-fold:

1. I love themes. Theme parties, theme restaurants, whatev. If you put theme in front of it, I am fully down.
2. That's 5 days of stuff that I have already planned to write about. Now there's no reason for me to run out of content.
3. Hopefully, one of the things that I mention will be helpful to you. With the holiday season upon us, small businesses need our support just as much as the big guys. Added bonus if they serve alcohol, because we all need that during the holidays.

So the theme for the week will be: Black-owned Business Week.

As with all things mentioned here, (and hopefully in this country for that matter) none of the businesses I'll be writing about are only available to the browner skinned among us. My goal is to expose people to things that they may not hear about otherwise, so tell your friends and do what you can to make use of their services.

For Colored Girls... At Classical Magnet's Black Box Theater

It's been a long time. Sorry about that but my car got a flat on the way here and omg, did you see the traffic on 84? And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse a dinosaur came and ate my homework. Not really, but I haven't done much around town lately. As my one of my fellow bloggers Coffee Rhetoric mentioned, being a light-in-the-pockets Hartford socialite can be tough. There's no shortage of things going on, but there can be a shortage of funds available to do them. So I've been having more low-key nights with friends, enjoying the beginning of Fall aka The Season of Wine and Firepits. I'm all for supporting local business, but a game night with friends is important when it comes to having a well-rounded life in a small city as well. But I'm back in the swing with some new stuff you have to check out!

Back in the days of bell-bottoms, public cocaine use and disco, a woman named Ntozake Shange wrote featuring women identified only by colors rather than names. She compiled poems on heavy topics such as domestic violence, rape, abortion and tied it all together with the memorable ups and crippling downs that can go along with simply just being a woman. Later this year, Tyler Perry will be releasing his film adaptation of Shange's work, and already people who know the play intimately are telling me how shitty Tyler Perry's version will be. But before you get that fist raised and shaking at me to protest, you can see the play itself right here in Hartford this weekend!

Destination Destiny, Inc & poetess Darlene "Peaches" Brandon have done a lot of work to put on the production at Classical Magnet's Black Box Theater for this weekend only! I'll be out of town seeing what things black people do in the Nation's Capital (*cough* drunken debauchery *cough*), so I'll miss the official show, but the cast was lucky enough to give me and my girlfriend Charmane a sneak preview of the show you will all be getting. Take it from me, you're in for a real treat! You may recognize this cast of beautiful and talented ladies from poetry nights in the Greater Hartford and Springfield areas, or doing the many other talents they have in life. You'll definitely notice them after this because like I said: beautiful and talented. No homo. That's a lie, mad homo.

Beyond the prettiness you'll be looking at on stage, these ladies all care about putting on one hell of a show. Peaches is the captain of this ship and it's clear that she takes the job very seriously. The other ladies of the cast follow where she leads, listening to the notes she gives and immediately turning gears in their own heads on how to make their performance work. The pride that each woman takes in her performance comes through with every monologue, and from our vantage point, we were able to see them transform into their respective "color" the moment they stepped on the stage.

Though the parts are all played by women of color, this is far from being only "our" story. I'm sure any woman can find a connection to their own life in here. No one should leave here thinking, "poor colored girls, they've got some pains and sorrows to work out, I mean did you see Good Hair?" because the poems hit too close to home for all that. Plus you shouldn't be saying "colored" anymore, unless you're someone's great-grandma and you're "from a different time".

Parts of this are tough to hear for even my seasoned ears, so for that reason I'd suggest leaving the little kids at home. But it's thought provoking and the actresses are amazing, so you WILL be sorry if you miss it.

Info:
When: Friday, September 24 & Saturday September 25 at 8pm
Sunday, September 26 a matinee performance at 3pm, doors open an hour before all three shows.
Where: Classical Magnet Black Box Theater, 85 Woodland Street, Hartford
Price: $15 General Admission, $25 VIP

Two last things:
1. Proceeds benefit Destination Destiny, a local non-profit serving youth and young adults.
2. The cast of the play will be featured on Poetz Corner this week. They're filming at Cloud 9 tonight and airing all week on Access TV's website. Check it out!

Poetz Corner Presented by AccessTV.org at Cloud 9

Special thanks to Robert Cooper for the photos


How much do I love poetry? It seems like whatever city you visit on the East Coast, if you want to see some black people acting classy, you should ask, "where's the nearest poetry reading?" You find a cozy cafe or bar with an espresso machine and sit down to listen to people tell you about their gloomy lows, their mindblowing highs and more feelings than an episode of Dr. Phil.

There's this one place that we all go for poetry one night a week and it's great, and I bet that's what you THINK I'm talking about. And you're like, "wow, for real Tianna? I check out this blog and you're going to review the one spot that everyone in the world knows is the place in Hartford that you can see black people reading poetry?" That place is great, no question. But this is something new and different; a television show featuring area poets, taped right here in Hartford.


On Tuesday nights at Cloud 9, Shireal Renee hosts Poetz Corner, presented by accesstv.org. This is a live recording of poetry performances that are available on Access TV's website starting on Thursday evenings or Fridays of each week. I attended a taping last week and it's pretty cool the way this is run. It's less a poetry reading going on that a cameraman films, and more a show put on for an audience that will primarily be at home.

Shireal Renee is a great poet herself, and last week she kicked off the evening with one of her own original pieces. It was a bit somber and deep, but like a good host should, she was able to perk back up, smile and joke with the crowd like she hadn't just read a poem entitled "Cocaine". Afterwards, other poets in the house got to read their work on the mic, followed by a brief interview with the featured poet of the week.



So if you're coming to see the show, here's the deal. Shut the hell up. And frankly, this goes for any poetry night, open mic night, what have you. If you want to come in and chat with your friends at a bar with an open mic, just kindly usher yourselves out. Why pay money to act like you want to hear people bear their soul, when what you really want to do is talk all night? This is not a musical performance where the drums drown out your gab. You are talking over someone else talking! I'll never understand why I have to hear hosts beg all night for people to "respect the mic" and not talk while other people are performing. Not that anyone did that at this show. People were very respectful. But because of the live taping especially, this is not the type of show where you can zone out, tap out a couple text messages and chat.

All in all, this was an extremely positive experience and I look forward to going back. If you're free tonight, come out and see the show with featured guest poet Lynnette Johnson! There's DJ QT playing unsigned artists between each break, and Carla Canty does the casting. A lot of people doing great things, so show them some support!

When: Filmed on Tuesdays starting at 8, airs on accesstv.org on demand throughout the week.
Location: Cloud 9, 7 Congress Street, Hartford
Dress code: No sneakers or boots, no hats, hoodies or t-shirts. I'd suggest coming dressed on the nicer side in case you get photographed or videotaped.
Age: 21+
Cover: $5
**Happy Hour** There were some posted specials going on until 11 on wine and martinis. I'll make sure to edit when I know for sure.

A note: Because this is a taped event, you will have to sign a release saying that you're comfortable with being filmed before you enter the bar.

Pro+Cre8 presents "UNITY" An Art Showcase

When I was in high school, I entertained the idea of being an artist, living off of hummus sandwiches and living in Art Space on Asylum Ave. I'd paint all day, sell my works in the lobby when I got the chance and wear paint-stained overalls in public. Then I took a high school art course and realized that I suck at painting and hummus is disgusting. After that, my dreams of living, presenting and even visiting Art Space disappeared. Not that it isn't a great place, I just never know what's going on in there. That's my bad.

Right now though, there is an awesome showcase right there featuring artists La'Mora Hardy, Keith Claytor, Andre Rochester, Suzanne Jolissaint, Alex Vazquez, Jason Farquharson, Nesh Rowe, and Jessica Fruwald. They've put together a free (my favorite word!) exhibit, perfectly timed for you to stop by after work this Wednesday and Friday, take a look around and be pleased.

Last Wednesday night, they had an opening happy hour and I got to take a look around. The work is just magnificent, and if you have a couple extra hundreds burning a hole in your pocket, I suggest you spend it here. You won't need me to tell you that when you see the pieces though. This stuff is gorgeous. 10% of all proceeds go to the Compass Youth Collaborative's Peacebuilders Program, so you're supporting local arts AND local youth. I'm pretty sure that's a fast-pass to good karma. On Opening Night, some of the teens in the program performed for us and I have a feeling that will happen again.

As we chatted and looked at the art, the band String Theorie played music for the evening in the center of the room. The art itself is multi-faceted: photography, graphic design, painting on all sorts of canvases. The evening is a testament to expression in so many of its forms. Best of all, it's family-friendly, so bring the kids and don't worry about covering their eyes and ears. I promise to leave my own potty mouth at home. (Maybe not promise, but I'll try really effing hard.)

Here's the skinny, as taken from the facebook page:
Location: Art Space, 555 Asylum Avenue, Hartford (Diagonal from Union Station)
Wednesday, August 11: After work Showcase
Time: 4pm - 7pm
Featuring: Live Art

Friday, August 13: Closing Reception
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Featuring: Music by DJ LovHer, Performance by Equilibrium Dancers

Price: Free both days!
All ages
Wear what you like; express yourself!

Please come out and support local artists! These are the final two dates, so don't procrastinate and think you'll check it out later! Even if you can't afford to buy, every head in the room is much needed support for the Arts in Hartford!

Taste of Hartford Ending August 8, 2010!

I'm taking a bit of time during my lunch break to remind you that this is the last weekend for the Taste of Hartford!

I know, I know, it's been hard for you to get over the fact that The Taste is no longer a huge festival in Constitution Plaza where you can sample the goods and eat until you're comatose, but the good news is that TOH has left behind the festival feel and kept that comatose eating we Americans are such big fans of. So far I've had to waddle out of both Dish and Salut, and since I haven't been grocery shopping in who knows how long, probably one last place over the weekend.

Try somewhere new or an old favorite, just make sure to do it! You won't be sorry! (Unless you try to bring a big group without making a reservation. I sincerely suggest calling ahead.)

Since everyone and their mom already has a list up, I'll just link you to Greater Hartford Arts Council's list. On the right hand side, you'll see a link to preview the menus!

Parker Memorial Rec Center/Kelvin D. Anderson Gymnasium

Please forgive the blurry pictures. It's a new camera, and beyond that I'm just a crappy photographer.

Last week, I was treated to a tour of the newly renovated Parker Memorial Center/Kelvin D. Anderson Gymnasium, a Recreation Center on the North End of Hartford.

Walking in through the back door, I was greeted with a beautiful, wall-sized painting outside of the Kelvin D. Anderson Gymnasium. Most people probably would've said, "Hey, who is Kelvin D. Anderson anyway?" But I'm not really good at the whole attention to detail thing, so I kind of just nodded and smiled as my guides showed me the piece and said, "That's why we placed this picture outside the gym." It wasn't until the end of the tour that someone told me that Kelvin Anderson was an Olympic boxer who died in a plane crash on his way to compete in Poland back in 1980. Oh...so that wasn't Muhammad Ali...good to know.


Right now, the gym and fitness area are the only parts of the Center that are open for public use, and I suggest you get some use out of them. Most of my experience in gyms involved sitting on the bleachers and faking illness while other children threw balls at each other. But with all the natural light that beamed in, I could see playing basketball on one of the 6 hoops in there being a pleasant experience for active people.


The fitness center was more my cup of tea. The equipment was clean and new, with about a billion free weights and some benches, 2 treadmills, 1 elliptical, a recumbent bike and an upright one. I know gyms are advertising their $10 a month specials right now, but this is free dollars a month with hours that are just as convenient. And I know some of you wise-asses are gonna say, "it's not free, I pay taxes!" First off, you probably come running in City Hall on the last day they're due, just like me, so let's not get all indignant. Second, this is one of those rare opportunities we get to see our tax dollars in action, so stop by and pump some iron just so you can feel like you're getting some justice.





In the front of the building is the Multipurpose Room. Right now it's set up with some long tables and fun green chairs, all facing a large dry erase board with a projector hanging from the ceiling; sort of like a lecture hall. But this room can also be used as a cafeteria since there's a chromed-out commercial-style kitchen attached. The room also serves a much more important purpose: In 2012, when the Mayan calendar is up and tidal waves crush our homes, it can double as a community shelter for families in need using a generator for up to 2 weeks. Hahaha, I'm just kidding! About the Mayan tidal wave...the shelter part is very real and very awesome. Let's hope we never have to use it, but if we do, Parker Center will hold us down.

There will be a computer lab with about 8-10 computers available, but they weren't yet installed so no blurry pics of those exist. There's also an arts & crafts room with some large tables to work on. This room will double as a classroom for community classes that will be available, such as parenting courses, GED training, literacy programs, tutoring for students and so much more. So while your kids are playing around the center, you can get your own stuff done. Another feature is a room with a smaller, round table that I think would be a great space for smaller groups to hold meetings in.

Art lab


Meeting room

The pool is beautiful and will be used for lifeguard training and swim classes. As much as I enjoy children, when I'm trying to be all fitness-y and do some laps, I don't want them splashing and jumping on top of me while I'm trying to do my thing. So they'll have an adult swim period for those of you who share my sentiment.


The pool is closed for the summer since there are outdoor pools open all around the city, hence the cover, but it also serves a "green" purpose; it keeps the heat inside the pool, using less energy to keep the water at the proper temperature. Your tax dollars ain't playin around.

In the center of it all is the game/TV room, where you'll find some couches, a few tables and chairs, air hockey, foosball and pool tables.


Last but not least is a garden out back, tended to by some local children, and some local members of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Commission. Right now, it's a "pizza garden" meaning they're growing ingredients that would go on a pizza. Did you hear that? That's my bio-clock ticking because that's a-friggin-dorable!


I'm not sure when the official grand opening for the center is, but I'll make sure to update as soon as I do. Growing up, the rec centers I visited were poorly maintained, woefully understaffed and technologically behind. Hartford is changing for the better in terms of making sure its children are up to snuff, including the opening of some amazing, state of the art magnet schools and libraries. The Parker Memorial Center/Kelvin D. Anderson Gymnasium is a huge step in the right direction for the North End of Hartford, assuring that state of the art facilities are available out of the classroom and closer to home, where it matters just as much.

If you live nearby, or just want to check it out, the address is 2621 Main Street. It's impressive! And when you leave, stop by Crown Fried Chicken. Besides your grandmother's, it's the best fried chicken you've ever had.

Still Wavy 375: Janelle Monáe in Bushnell Park

I love free shit. I'm a sample grabber and a huge fan of health/career fairs. If it's $0 and I'm not there, it's probably not really $0. But I will be at Still Wavy 375, a free concert headlined by a Grammy nominated, Prince-honoring, Espy-performing singer; in other words, a BFD for the Hartbeat.

We don't do things like this here. I've been a resident of Hartford for years and sang alto for the There's-Nothing-To-Do-In-Hartford Chorus from the ages of 12 til about 22. And finally, in recent years, I've seen people doing something to change that. I have friends who put on great parties, start up phenomenal programs for children and are making big moves in the ways of fresh things to do in the city. The TNTDIH Chorus is thankfully losing members.

Since I found out about this concert, I've been asking a ton of questions to all involved, so I'm going to answer some frequently asked questions that I've gotten:

How can the City of Hartford afford this?
It's actually not only the City that is putting this on. The Hartford Party Starters Union teamed up with the Wadsworth Atheneum to put this on, and the City threw down some money for the shindig as well. It's kind of like Hartford's bffs wanted to throw it a big birthday party and it was like, "Oh thanks guys, that's so special! Why don't I pay for the cups and plates though? I'd feel bad not doing anything!"

Why is it starting at 5:00 on a Friday?
Why not? Sure, it could be an all day thing like Jazzmania 2010 that just happened last week, but it's like I said before: Hartford doesn't do things like this. You've gotta kick it off somehow and if they're bringing in major artists free to you, why not do it differently? I'm pretty excited to have something to do on a Friday night that's different from my normal routine (taking a nap after work and waking up with a severe case of drag-ass).

What are the other artists like?
The songs that I've familiarized myself with tell me that this is going to be a high energy show. The style is music that you wouldn't typically hear on the radio, but until very recently, Janelle Monáe is someone you wouldn't hear on there either. I like to know what I'm getting into before I go to a show with musicians I've never seen or heard of, so I checked them all out. If you've got a finicky ear I suggest you do the same, but honestly I don't think any of these performers will disappoint.

Can I bring my kids?
Hells yeah! As long as they don't mind people saying "hells yeah" because I plan to shout that a lot.

What does "still wavy" mean?
It boggles my mind that you don't know what wavy means. Where'd you grow up, under a rock? You're so frodunk for that! No sir, I dunno what it means.

Other than that, you need to just get yourself out here and see the show. A lot of work is going into making sure this goes off without a hitch. Not only that, but just showing up says you are in favor of future things like this happening in Hartford. You'll be wishing a happy birthday to the home of so much of this country's history. More importantly, someone brown is coming to Hartford for free and that's awesome! You know how we're usually treated like children who aren't allowed to congregate? Not this time buddy boy! Congregate your ass off! Then support some local Hartford restaurants by having a drink and a nosh after the show. Go to the Wadsworth on Saturday and thank them for the good time, and have a look around. When's the last time you've been to the Wadsworth? Remember that lady in the lawn chair with the sunburned skin that freaked you the hell out as a kid? Go back now! I swear she's not as scary!

The thing of it is, the reason there was nothing to do in Hartford is because no one was doing anything in Hartford. The time is now. So let's all go be brown in public and listen to some good music. Ok? Ok.

Deets:
Showtime: 5pm
Artists: Janelle Monáe, Holy Ghost!, Tobacco, Maluca, Cubic Zirconia & DJ Rizzla
Dress code: Come comfy
Food & Drinks: vendors will be parked on Trinity Street (by the Memorial Arch)
Cover charge: Free!
All ages
Address: Bushnell Park Pavillion, Downtown Hartford

Bonus: Check out the registration on the Still Wavy website. It's still free, but you'll be entered to win prizes and more. I already did it because I love free stuff.

Charmagne & Porter Soul at Airport Road Cafe

Today is the start of the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, which if you've lived in Hartford for even a day I'm sure you know. Your black friends, your white friends and your taupe friends are probably washing their blankets right now. And if they're not, I dunno what's wrong with them. You're not doing Hartford right if you don't at least stop by. It's a Hartford law: A man isn't allowed to kiss his wife on Sunday and you must stop by the Jazzfest. But I'm not going to get much deeper into that because if there's one thing Hartford doesn't lack, it's reviews of New England's Biggest Free Jazz Shindigapalooza. So assemble your crew, pack your picnic basket and listen to some local legends. But don't plan your evening around only that, because I have even bigger plans for you...

Airport Road Cafe: You know the "biker bar" on the corner of Airport Road? It's actually a very cool bar that has local bands stop through all the time. And every third Friday of the month (hey, that's tonight!), my girlfriend Charmagne stops in with her band Porter Soul and graces them with her soulful presence. That's right: I'm plugging. And why the hell not? I'm dating a Grammy Award winning artist who has black people in Hartford coming to her shows on a regular basis. So sit here and listen to how awesome she is for a second.

Her style fits in with the tone of the weekend, as she's a neo-soul/R&B artist with some jazz undertones. But that's if you're asking her. As someone who's been to almost every show she's done in the last 2 years, I can tell you that her performance is much more interesting than someone standing on stage belting out ballads. In addition to her beautiful voice, her banter is hilarious and usually risqué. The band is extremely talented and can follow her on any musical tangent she'll go on (and sometimes lead her back to the task at hand if the Patron is flowing too freely). A show can start with you nodding along to her cover of "A Long Walk" (Jill Scott) and by the second set she's added a rap to "Cruising" (Smokey Robinson) as she pretends to swim on the floor or has a breakdance battle with a member of the audience. When she needs a quick breather, sometimes she'll provide some eye candy for the ladies by putting the saxophonist, David Davis, out front for some "good sax"; that's kind of like a fully clothed lap dance with a woodwind. It's probably more like watching a musical circus than a smooth R&B show.

The venue itself is a treat. The bartenders are of the no nonsense variety, so if you're an "ummer" who doesn't know what you want, or you want some special drink with a lot of ingredients, they're not afraid to bust your chops about it. Some of my favorite food in the world is bar fare, and this stuff doesn't disappoint. Of course you should eat the chicken wings because they serve them. Who goes out somewhere that serves chicken wings and doesn't order them? Unless you're a vegetarian, then that's understandable. They probably make a ripping grilled cheese. They might even have a good salad but I wouldn't know because I don't want to be the woman eating a salad at a biker bar. I have a rep to maintain. And I know I keep saying "biker bar", but that's only because that's the reputation Airport Road Cafe has had for as long as I can remember. This isn't the type of place that's acrid with cigarette smoke, everyone clad in leather and the record scratches when you walk through the door in stilettos. The tables are set up lounge style around the dance floor, the bar is fully stocked, large and gorgeous, and while the regulars are sometimes clad in leather themselves, they're fine with seeing you. And no one's scratching any records because this is 2010; the jukebox is digital.

So after your children tire themselves out from dancing around and playing with other peoples' dogs at Jazzaroo, you can head out for some grown up fun and get a great show at the same time. Bad ass. Here are the deets:

Showtime: 9p-12a
Music: Neo-Soul/R&B
Food & Drinks: I believe the kitchen closes around 10 or 10:30, but just like any other bar, last call is at 1:45a. They don't usually have drink specials, but ask the bartender, maybe she knows something I don't.
Dress code: Whatever you like!
Ages: 21+
Cover Charge: $5
Address: 330 Ledyard Street, Hartford, CT (there's parking in the back, but you can also park on Ledyard Street if it fills up.)


p.s. I wasn't lying about the not kissing your wife on Sunday thing.

Old School Fridays at Vibz Uptown

If you haven't been to Vibz Uptown on a Friday night, you're doing yourself a huge disservice. Do you like quality drinks at reasonable prices? Do you like delicious food? Do you like live music or dancing to old school hip-hop and r&b? Then seriously...get down here!

Vibz takes the task of planning a night out to the next level. Let's say you get off work at 5 this Friday and you're looking for somewhere to kick back and relax. According to their Facebook page, happy hour starts at 6pm. STARTS at 6pm! I don't know about you, but I usually want to go home and nap on Fridays if I plan to be out all night. By the time I'm rested up all the drink specials are over because happy hour is usually ending by 6. Who the hell is making these early ass happy hours? If I get off work at 5, trek to your bar in after work traffic, I'm maybe making it there at 5:30. What's that? One drink? The great thing about Vibz is that they're running on some lovely CPT, just like me. Reduced priced drinks go until 8pm.

So you've gotten a nice little buzz going for a couple hours, but you're starting to get a little hungry. You COULD leave the club and eat at one of the many delicious establishments nearby, but like I said, Vibz has your night taken care of! Around 8pm, a cook will pop out from the abyss and put 3 hot trays of delicious food on a table by the bar. Tip: eat the macaroni & cheese. It's so good it'll make you wanna slap your mama (which you may be able to do, since old school Fridays are a classy affair for a classy woman like your mom.) And it's all for the low low price of $free.99!

Now your belly's full, the Patron's got you in the zone as they say, and you're wondering what more this night could possibly have in store. What's that happening on the stage? Is that a band setting up? Word, Vibz? You've got live music tonight too? Every Friday night starting around 9pm. And the bands are really good. I have yet to be let down.

For two hours you chill out and listen to the band. Depending the kind of music they play, you're dancing and sucking down drinks. But eventually the band starts packing up their shit and saying their goodbyes. More and more people have come through the door by this time. You've probably already run into your uncle in his lilac and white pinstriped suit with his matching hat and shoes, along with Sister Evelyn from church snapping her fingers on the dancefloor, so how can you leave? The DJ gets on the mic and the music starts. Everyone is on the floor, from ages 24-84. A gentleman taps you on the shoulder and asks if he can buy you another one of what you're drinking. You politely accept, but wonder if you'll have to keep him from humping your leg on the dancefloor all night. In the end, he hands you your drink and walks away simply saying, "have a good evening, pretty lady!" with a polite smile. It's a classy joint, after all. By the end of the night, you'll be dancing and singing along to "Candy" by Cameo with the rest of the room. And trust me, they WILL play that song!

Three tips for the night:
1. If you want to try this mac & cheese, get there early. It goes QUICKLY.
2. Get a mixed drink of anything. They're made beautifully.
3. Get some facebook fame and let the bartenders take your picture while you're there. They'll even let you do a retake if you made a dumb face in the first one.

Here's the stuff you should remember:
Happy Hour: 6pm-8pm **specials** reduced price drinks
Food & Band: 8ish-11ish
Old School party: 11ish-2am
Music: R&B and Hip-Hop. There may be a few newer tracks snuck in there, but come ready to hear music that's at least 15 years old and love it!
Dress code: No sneakers, baseball caps or athletic wear. (honestly, just dress nice. you'll feel a little embarrassed if you come in dirty jeans and everyone else is in their night-on-the-town digs.)
Ages: 21+
Cover Charge: $5 before 10pm
Address: 3155 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06120

Karaoke Tini Tuesdays @ Asylum Cafe

Last night, I assembled my crew and set out on my first official venture for the site: Karaoke Tini Tuesdays at Asylum Cafe. I got there around 9:30pm, and a DJ was just starting to warm the crowd up by playing some Jay Z and T.I. that we could all bob our heads to. I hunkered down on a bar stool and asked the bartender if there were any drink specials. "$5 martinis," she proudly stated. Um... why am I just now hearing about this?! I promptly ordered something called a Lemontini and waited for the festivities to start.

At 10pm, a man got on the mic and kicked off the evening with a questionable rendition of his chosen song: always a great start to a karaoke night. One of the hosts of the event approached my friends and I to ask when we planned to get up there. I didn't have nearly enough Lemontini in me to think that was a good idea, but promised him I'd think about it later. In the meantime, a friend of mine ordered some delicious looking chicken wings that I was told were also only $5. Once again, things I wish had been brought to my attention YESTERDAY! I'd already had a dinner that was way more than $5 and I didn't get any chicken wings.

By 11pm, as with everything in Hartford, people had finally started to show up to the event. I'll never understand it: If the start time is 8, and bars close at 1, people will always show up well after 11. The drink specials are over, all the chairs are taken, usually you even have to pay more money to get in (luckily, this event has no cover). I like to get there a little earlier and secure my spot. Not to mention, it's so much easier to get drinks when there's only a few people. By this time, my drink was starting to give me just enough liquid confidence and I hit the mic. There weren't a ton of people offering to sing, but the people that did all had a great time. No one seemed to feel judged and no one was there to judge anyone else. So if you like to sing but sound like a bird on fire, this may be your type of karaoke night. When there was a lull in singers, the DJ kept the energy up with some bumping music, another plus when trying to give yourself some backbone. When you're trying to convince yourself that you'll sound ok singing "Walking on Sunshine", you probably shouldn't hear "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" before you get up there. All in all, a great night was had by me, and I definitely plan to stop back in and recommend you to go too!

Stuff you should remember:
"Happy Hour": 8-11pm **specials** $5 martinis, $5 wines, $3 beers
Food: $5 appetizers, they were also selling pizza by the slice. kitchen closes at 11.
Karaoke: According to Facebook it starts at 8, but it didn't kick off until 10 when I got there. The DJ was there earlier though.
Dress code: Come as you like. Most people were dressed classy casual, so if you don't want to feel out of place, I'd wear some jeans and a nice top.
Age: Since it turns into a bar at night, I'm going to assume 21+. I'll check that out for sure.
Cover: Free!
Address: 253 Asylum Avenue, Downtown Hartford

Introductions Are In Order

Hello and welcome to my new venture: Things Black People Do In Hartford! I'm not sure if you noticed in the poorly Photoshopped picture above, but I am black, I'm from Hartford, and I love to go out! I was talking with my girlfriend today and somehow, through some convoluted stream of thought, I decided to make a page dedicated to highlighting the places in Hartford that people of color tend to enjoy.

I thought it would be a good idea to have a central location to focus on interesting things going on in our city. As much as I've enjoyed myself at bars and clubs on Allyn Street and Tisane is one of my favorite spots to chill with my friends, I can't help but wonder what else is out there that is geared toward my fellow people of color. Have you ever wanted to try somewhere new, or have a friend visiting and want to show them something fun? You call your crew and they give you the run around and can't decide if they want to go. "Who else is gonna be there?" "You ever been there before?" "What's the dress code?" By 10pm when you're ready to hit the road, you're back at the same club you go to every week! I can't really help with who else will be there and make your friends stop dragging ass, but I can let you know what it will be like when they decide.

I plan to be informative: If it was fun, I'll tell you exactly why. If it wasn't my cup of tea, I'll also let you know because maybe that's something that appeals to you. I'm not getting paid to tell you about these places but because Hartford is pretty small, I may end up knowing some of the people who put on these parties.

Of course, people of any color are welcome to go to the places I review. I would never knowingly recommend a place that would discriminate against anyone. I'm focusing on POC-owned & frequented events because as often as I see critiques of new places in Hartford, I see little about actual events that POC go to and even less written by us. The name is just pretty clever, don't ya think?

I'm figuring out the rest as I go, so bear with me and keep checking in! Don't forget to tell your friends!