Held the fourth Friday of the month from 5pm to 7pm, AMP’s Happy Hour Piano Series features a captivating pianist performing in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, pop, classical, and more. It can be a relaxed hang with friends or an intimate evening out.

Reserve your $8 tickets in advance or purchase at the door.

AMP’s regular Friday exhibit hours (10am to 5pm) are extended for the Happy Hour Piano Series, 5–7pm. The cash/credit bar opens at 5pm. Live music begins at 5:30pm.

The Happy Hour Piano Series is supported in part by the Greenberg family.

UPCOMING…

Christopher Casey, jazz
Friday, January 23
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm

Christopher Casey earned a bachelor's degree from The Hartt School and studied under Jackie McLean, Jackie Byard, and Hotep Galeta. An active pianist, composer and arranger, Chris performs extensively throughout New England and the New York area. He has performed with such greats as Jackie McLean, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Claudio Roditi, Slide Hampton, Houston Person, Jacomo Gates, Bob Berg, Jimmy Greene, and Greg Banaszak. His works have been commissioned by Jackie McLean, Curtis Fuller, Steve Davis, PBS Television, and The Polish National Chamber Orchestra of Slupsk. Recordings include "Double Vision", "Jazz in the Wild", "Sounds of Hartford", "Head over Heals", and "Imagination".

Garnell Curtis, pop plus
Friday, February 27
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm

Garnell Curtis is a UConn student and dynamic pianist known for his improvisational flair and ability to defy categorization. He’s no stranger to pop, soul, jazz, and classical, and you may hear a bit of all of it in a single song. Garnell’s fresh approach creates a sense of spontaneity and exploration. Prepare to experience piano in a way that breaks traditional boundaries.

Natalie Hamilton, folk and pop
Friday, March 27
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm

Natalie Hamilton is a singer/songwriter known for her four-octave, velvet voice and a style that blends jazz sophistication with folk intimacy. Critics describe her sound as evocative, powerful, and uniquely her own, comparing her voice to a young Barbra Streisand and her narrative, lyrical compositions to Joni Mitchell. "She is able to say more with humming than most singers can say with words - reminiscent of a young Barbra Streisand." (Sandy Cooperman - The Daily Sun)  Hamilton is currently performing and recording a new album for 2026 release.

Isabella Mendes, jazz and bossa nova
Friday, April 24
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm

Singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and educator Isabella Mendes is one of New Haven and Hartford County’s top Brazilian and Jazz entertainers in the industry and has earned an impressive list of accomplishments well beyond her years. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Isabella started to study music at age four and hasn't stopped since. She has been studying with Grammy Winner pianist Fabio Torres and Emmy Winner vocalist Michal Towber. Isabella is also the founder and owner of IMMusic Studio, a private music school, where she teaches piano and voice. She is an advocate for women and diversity in the arts, and is leading workshops bringing diversity through music in schools and community events.

More 2026 Performances

May 22: Jeffrey John Boratko
June 26: TJ Thompson Broadway Singalong

Zoe Bates is a pianist and vocalist based in the Berkshires, known for her soulful interpretations of artists like Susan Tedeschi and Etta James. A Canton, CT native, she was the lead singer of the local band Temporary Sanity and is a college a cappella alum. Zoe brings rich vocal expression and a deep love of performing to every set.

Pianist Mary DiPaola has performed at the Litchfield Jazz Festival and Hartford Jazz Festival. She is on faculty at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford and teaches music at Aiken Elementary School in West Hartford. Her recordings include Cat’s Cradle and Seventh Sign.

Pianist Michael Carabello has performed on some of the most prestigious stages, including The White House—where he performed for First Lady Michelle Obama, New York Jazz Piano Festival at Kalvierhaus, Jazz at Lincoln Center Live in Times Square, The Side Door Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, and The Django in NYC, The Hartford Jazz Festival, NYC Winter Jazz Festival, and the Newport Jazz Festival.

Jennifer Hill is a singer-songwriter and pianist whose music blends the soulful influences of Carole King, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin with the modern edge of artists like Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga. Jennifer’s latest solo album, Love Bomb, is a vibrant mix of retro soul and pop produced by the legendary Vic Steffens. Beyond her solo work, Jennifer is the creative force behind the electro-pop act Murderous Chanteuse and the indie rock band Jennifer Hill and Co., both available on streaming platforms. In addition, Jennifer is the founder of SWAN Day CT, the annual Support Women Artists Now (SWAN) event that showcases women in the arts, and has shared the stage with June Millington of the legendary 1970s band Fanny.

Michael Ford’s music blends elements of classical, jazz, experimental, and soundtrack into a genre he calls “third stream.” Over his career, Michael has produced music for television, theater, and dance and released four albums, including Dream of the Wind and Simple Truth, both nominated for best contemporary classical album by the Independent Music Awards. Michael has also collaborated with the late Grammy-winning cellist David Darling.

You may also recognize Michael’s work with author and illustrator Sandra Boynton. They’ve co-created six children’s book/CDs, including the platinum-certified Philadelphia Chickens. Michael Ford continues to establish himself as a world-class pianist and composer.

Jazz pianist, composer, author, and educator Noah Baerman has written the book on jazz piano—literally. He’s the author of nine books on the subject. Noah has also released ten albums and has appeared on the weekly radio show Piano Jazz on NPR. His personal struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) have given his music a distinctive depth and edge. His musical collaborators include Wayne Escoffery, Nadje Noordhuis, Linda May Han Oh, Ike Sturm, Jimmy Greene, Robin Eubanks, and Warren Smith.

Garnell Curtis is a dynamic pianist known for his improvisational flair and ability to defy categorization. He’s no stranger to jazz, classical, soul, and pop—and you may hear a bit of all of it in a single song. Garnell’s fresh approach creates a sense of spontaneity and exploration. Prepare to experience piano in a way that breaks traditional boundaries.

Pianist, singer/songwriter, and producer Natalie Hamilton is known for captivating audiences with her sheer artistry, performing both classic jazz compositions and originals. Natalie’s latest album is Live at the Legacy Theater.

Talented pianist Dan Ringuette’s extensive background in musical theater and community performances, made him the perfect musician to lead an evening of merry melodies.

Warren Byrd has an international touring career, performing with his own groups and with such greats as Archie Shepp, Eddie Henderson, Frank Lacy, Saskia Laroo, Jay Hoggard, Jimmy Green, and Hans Dulfer. 

Singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and educator Isabella Mendes is the founder of the Bossa Nova Project, which is inspired by the Bossa Nova movement of the 1960s. The project seeks to replicate that movement’s original intent: to share beautiful music with others to bring people together and bring happiness to the world.

Classical pianist Heather Reichgott has a thriving private Suzuki piano studio and is the Minister of Music at the United Methodist Church of South Hadley, MA. Her recordings include  A Musical Feast for Ballet Class and an album of music by contemporary composers, Preludes, Problems & Prayers.

T.J. Thompson, of T.J. Thompson Trio, has performed with Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead and was a featured artist on Branford Marsalis’ Jazz Set. He’s been a teacher and performer for more than 25 years, playing the blues, soul, and jazz of New Orleans, Memphis, and more. His albums include Take 2: The Sound of Playing.

Dynamic classical pianist Maria Centola, of ensemble InfiniTango fame, played a fusion of classical and tango music. Maria has performed alongside Grammy Award-winning musicians of Argentine tango music. Her unique arrangements and interpretations are fused with Italian, French, 1920s-30s jazz, and Latin rhythms.

Due to illness, Michael Cassavant filled in for Jeff Boratko. Thank you, Cazz! Cazz is a lifelong musician on the verge of becoming a multi-instrumentalist, but for now, is just a piano player.

Pianist Jen Allen has performed with such jazz notables as Don Braden, Jimmy Greene, Kendrick Oliver, Sarah Caswell, Camille Thurman, Freddie Hendrix, Nat Reeves, Kris Allen, Ike Sturm, and Antoinette Montague. Her latest album is Sifting Grace.