Beat the heat with music at this FREE indoor weekend music festival! The festivities kick off with family day on Saturday, August 3, followed by fun for the grown-ups on Sunday, August 4! With live music you’ll be dancing to, interactive kids’ classes, food, games for all ages, and more, there’s an experience bound to strike everyone’s chord. View the details below!

@ 11 am – 4 pm

Join us for an interactive, all-ages day of musical discovery through fun classes, hands-on experiences, crafts, snacks, and more. Whether the kids are singing along with Miss Kaite of Spirit in Tune, learning to play instruments with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, or making their own instruments to take home, there are plenty of engaging ways for families to enjoy and explore the possibilities of music. Drop in throughout the day; no tickets for general Saturday admission. However, please note free pre-registration is required for interactive kids’ classes with Spirit in Tune! (linked below).

@ 11 am – 5 pm

Fun for the grown-ups! Experience how culture influences music—and vice versa—as three diverse musical genres perform under one (air conditioned) roof. From bluegrass vibes, to cool jazz tunes, to salsa rhythms you can’t help but dance to, enjoy these talented bands throughout the day and learn a bit more about each genre. In between sets, explore the Museum on a scavenger hunt to earn prizes, enjoy cider tasting, and more. Don’t forget to visit the onsite food truck for a relaxing picnic break. You’ll want to stick around for the full experience! Get free tickets to reserve your spot; tickets grant admission to the entire day.

12 pm: The Ruta Beggars

Appealing to traditional and progressive acoustic music fans alike, The Ruta Beggars combine bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and plenty of fun. They’ve been praised for their creative yet tasteful arrangements and charming performances. Since 2018, they have brought the joy to their audiences across the US and Canada from festival stages to storied folk listening rooms and as support for legacy acts Lyle Lovett and Ricky Skaggs. The Ruta Beggars are 2019 Thomas Point band competition winners, 2023 IBMA official showcasing artists, Freshgrass Foundation commissioned composers, Freshgrass Award finalists, and Skyline Records artists. Listen here.

1:30 pm: The Steve Clarke Band

Steve Clarke brings funky jazz music to the stage with his lifelong musical experience, love for bass guitar, and rhythmic band! Groove to their unique fusion of funk and soul tunes and classic, skilled jazz improvisations. Frontman Steve Clarke has toured the U.S. and Europe performing his music, and is also an avid music educator. After studying music business as well, he now records other artists as well as himself. Listen here.

3:30 pm: Mikata Salsa

It’s dance…it’s rhythm…it’s Mikata! Feel your pulse quicken as this powerful salsa band ignites the stage in a joyful celebration of contemporary Latin music. Mikata, which means “all of us” in Ghana’s Ewe dialect, fuses the musical elements of Reggae, Afro-beat, High Life and Calypso with the elegant sounds of Latin music. Each beat of the conga beckons you to take a step closer and become a part of Mikata. This New Haven-based group has performed nationally, internationally, and locally for over twenty years. Listen here.

SPONSORED BY

Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund,

Bank of America, N.A., Trustee