Despite the inherent risks, there’s nothing as magical as an open-air concert on a perfect summer or fall evening. In what is likely the ideal setting, The Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) shows will be enhanced this year by ongoing facility upgrades, national acts like the Indigo Girls and Jason Blaine, and the return of community staples like the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Talcott Mountain Music Festival.

It’s a bittersweet moment for Richard Chiarappa, the co-founder of the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra (WHSO). He has officially retired from his role as conductor, but he’s not done with music. And he, like the rest of the orchestra, is excited by the future of the WHSO.

Concert time! Free summer concerts abound in town. With summer in full swing, it means summer concerts are here. They’re free, family friendly and most importantly, they’re fun. Grab a blanket and some chairs, a picnic basket, and your sunscreen. Then sit back and enjoy yourself. After all, that’s what summers are for. Elizabeth Park at the John G. Martin Foundation stage Glenn Hansen Orchestra (Big band/Sinatra/Count Basie) Sat., July 4, 6:30-8pm Latanya Farrell (Soulful

Pillows filled with cracked corn might seem like an unusual item to bond over. But for Emily Archambault and her daughter Amanda Archambault Burney making and selling the pillows strengthened their connection.

It was art for the ages and art for those under age 18 at Artbeat 2026, the district-wide exhibit of student artwork.

Looking for that perfect gift for a friend or family member? A piece of art that moves you? You don’t have to go far to find something you’ll love. There are so many talented people right here in West Hartford that may have just what you’re looking for. Here, we bring you one of those folks.

Art students at Cromwell High School took a short bus ride to Covenant Living of Cromwell to meet with an older generation that shares the same interest in visual art. It just might be the start of a longer-running collaboration.

Nick Frasco is an artist who loves to create. But he also understands the business aspect of being a professional artist and the need to market one’s work. Put the two together and you have a combination of art, performance and live music scheduled for May 2 at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center. Plumrose will be the musical guest.