About this Event
You know his music even if you don't know his name!
And November 29th is his 111th birthday!
Take the 'A' Train. Lush Life. Chelsea Bridge. Something to Live For. A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing.
These are just a few of the extraordinary compositions of Billy Strayhorn, the brilliant Black queer pianist, composer, arranger, and lyricist whose nearly three-decade collaboration with Duke Ellington helped shape the sound of American jazz.
Strayhorn's remarkable musicianship brought together sophisticated harmonies, classical influences, and an extraordinary ability to tell stories through music. His compositions continue to be performed and celebrated around the world, even as his own name and story remain unfamiliar to far too many people.
On Sunday, November 29, what would have been Strayhorn's 111th birthday, NxtThrsdy Productions presents The Billy Strayhorn Project, a multimedia musical celebration of his life, stunning music, and enduring legacy.
And you're invited to my home!
I'm excited to welcome you into our new home in Hartford's historic Upper Albany neighborhood, just three blocks from the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve. We'll spend the afternoon enjoying beautiful music, learning more about this extraordinary artist, and celebrating the contributions of Black queer people to the culture and communities we share.
Why We're Raising Money for the Pansy Garden
This special afternoon is a fundraiser for Kamora's Cultural Corner's Pansy Garden Project at the Sterling Street Sanctuary and Nature Reserve.
The Pansy Garden will create a visible, living celebration of Black queer history, identity, creativity, and community in Hartford's North End.
Billy Strayhorn's story is a wonderful example of why celebrating and remembering our legends and ancestors is so important. So much of the music and culture we love has been shaped by Black queer people whose lives, identities, and contributions haven't always received the recognition they deserve.
We're creating a garden where those stories can be remembered, shared, and celebrated.
Join Us on November 29th!
Event venue & nearby stays
62 Burton St, 62 Burton Street, Hartford, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.