A free community event hosted by the five Farmington Valley towns of Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby and Simsbury!
Featuring the music of Nekita Waller, Magic Soul Academy and Damian Curtis Afro-Cuban Jazz Project.
Channel your inner hero at the full-sized LEGO® Black Panther™ Photo Zone and dabble in the LEGO® Black Brick play zone (courtesy of Lego Systems Inc)!
Quench your thirst with a variety of delicious beers, featuring Connecticut’s first Black female brewmaster! This is your chance to celebrate her historic accomplishment and support a local hero. All this and more!
Meet The Artists:
Nekita Waller
There was never a question that music would be a part of Nekita Waller's life. From her first composition in her daycare class, to performing at the Apollo Theater in High School after winning a state-wide singing competition, to recently performing to several thousand on the New Haven Green at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas opening before Jazz legend Dianne Reeves - music defines Nekita's life.
Raised in Connecticut, Nekita's diverse journey has taken her through chorus and choir groups, musical theater as a child at the Hartford Conservatory, singing Gospel in church, courses at Hartt School of Music, mentoring and singing with local independent artists to opening for artists Ruben Studdard and B.B. King. This experience has exposed Nekita to a variety of musical styles.
Nekita's live music repertoire includes, pop, Motown, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tower to Power, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Classic Rock, R&B, Pop, Gospel, Country, and originals. Those who support and enjoy her music are as diverse as the music Nekita performs. From young to old, of all backgrounds, Nekita moves, entertains, and connects with all who listen.
Nekita's original music available on iTunes.
Magic Soul Academy
Magic Soul specializes in “Show Style Marching Percussion and Dance”, a development to soon become “The Heart of Hartford”. Magic Soul is a place for kids and young adults to express themselves through drumming and dancing Magic Soul allows the student to be part of an organization that will bring them many opportunities.
Damian Curtis Afro-Cuban Jazz Project
Damian Curtis is a Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Salsa Musician. Pianist. Producer.
He was born into a family of music connoisseurs and at the age of 4 he began his lifelong partnership with the piano. As a teenager Curtis began studying at The Artists Collective, specializing in "The African Diaspora", in the "Upper Albany" part of Hartford as well as Guakia, Inc., specializing in "The Latin Diaspora", which was located in the "South End". Thus began his intensive study of both "jazz" and various forms of "Latin music".
For high school, Damian attended The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts where he played and studied with the likes of bassists Dave Santoro and Paul "PB" Brown. Upon graduating, he was awarded a full scholarship to continue his studies at the prestigious Hartt School of Music, within what at the time was known as The African-American Music Department, and that has since become The Jackie McLean Jazz Studies Divison. Damian played with McLean’s band for President of the United States, Bill Clinton.
Damian's life still revolves around his love of music. He spends his time sharing his passion with his 3 children while teaching piano lessons and "hip hop" production to students of all ages. In addition, Damian continues performing with numerous "jazz", "Latin Jazz" and "salsa" bands, as well as producing beats for many acclaimed "hip-hop" artists.
All bags subject to search
There is no ATM on site
No shirt, no shoes = no entry. This is for all the safety of all guests
Event is rain or shine.
Strictly Prohibited on the Grounds: Smoking, hard liquor, drugs, ball playing or other sports equipment, pets, fireworks, sparklers, firearms or any other incendiary device, radios, boom-boxes or other stereo equipment, solicitation or unauthorized concessions or handouts, tents, tarps and large tables, lewdness, drunkenness or other inappropriate behavior. Audio and video recording and flash photography are prohibited during the performance.
Lost and Found: Any Lost and Found items will be available at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center office. To inquire about lost items, please reach out to operations@simsburymeadowsmusic.com.
Accessibility and Parking: Free on-site parking (including accessible parking) available at a first-come-first-serve basis. Additional parking lots along Iron Horse Blvd will also be available for use. To access handicapped parking you will need a state handicapped permit on your vehicle.
Food & Beverage Policy: No outside alcohol. Beer, soft drinks, wine, and water will be available for purchase. Food trucks will be on site. Picnics allowed.
Restrooms: Portable toilets are located on site.