Hartford's Parkville Market Celebrating Black History All Month Long

Courtesy of Parkville Market

HARTFORD, CT — Parkville Market, the destination food market in Hartford, is hosting a month's worth of cultural events starting Saturday to celebrate Black History Month.

The month-long celebration will feature some of the region’s most talented and influential artists, performers, businesses, and voices in the Black community.

“The Black History Month programming at Parkville Market is more than just creating space for Black History,” said Sunni Patterson, Event Manager and Programming Administrator. “It’s paving the way for the community to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s creating platforms for Black entrepreneurs, Black voices, and most importantly Black stories.”

Full Black History Month Programming Schedule

Saturday, Feb. 4

Mike McKeyz Band
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. in The Local

Bandleader Mike McKeyz hails from Newington, Conn., and brings the best of R&B, pop, and dance — with more than a few surprises thrown in.

Sunday, Feb. 5

A Golden Conversation Podcast — Spotlighting Black Voices*
12:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. (Every Sunday in February)

Sunday Funday has a new look as we take on exciting, challenging, and inspiring stories and views from Black voices in the community with Dondre Leslie, creator of Golden Gates Party Bus. We’re kicking off Black History Month with laughs, questions, and perspectives on the Black experience.

*This is a 18+ live Podcast recording.

Saturday, Feb. 11

CREC Valentine’s Day Event
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Parkville Market and Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) are hosting some Valentine’s Day fun with Valentine making, glitter tattoos, and dancing. Join us as Sugar and Spice help transform us into sparkly crafters. Stay for Hartford’s Proud at 3:30 p.m.

Hartford's Proud, a drill, drum, and dance corp., integrates sound, movement, and artistry in the overall development of young people and exposes the youth to bigger and greater opportunities so that they excel academically, socially, and artistically throughout life. Hartford’s Proud serves youth groups between the ages of 5-24 and strives to accomplish their mission by using the power of sound and rhythm to support youth in the development of physical and emotional skills that will aid them in conducting successful lives.

Filthy Comedy
Doors at 6 p.m. | Comedy at 7:00 p.m.

This fun evening is hosted by Ayesheh Mae, a Connecticut-based comic known for being crass and for her love of emo music. She is the producer of the Filthy Comedy which runs shows at breweries all across the state, and has also performed at COMIX at Mohegan Sun, the Grisley Pear and Broadway Comedy Club in NYC, and recently performed in the Portland Comedy Festival.

Headliner: Colum Tyrrell

Colum Tyrell is an Irish Comedian who has been based in America since 2014. Having started his career in Ireland, Colum’s talents quickly became known on the Irish circuit as he became a finalist in the nationally broadcasted TV show “RTE New Comedy Awards”. His outstanding performance at the Galway Comedy Festival led to him being booked in every comedy club and festival in Ireland. He can now be seen performing at prestigious clubs such as The Stand and New York Comedy Club. He was recently featured on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Featured Performer: J Smitty

J Smitty is a Boston-based comedian and writer. J’s humor and point of view stem from awkward situations, racial humor, and misdirection. Along with his many impressions, Smitty will find a way to have you laughing or groaning (either will do). J can be seen on Season 2 of Kevin Hart’s, “Hart of the City” on Comedy Central.

He has performed in the Rogue Island Comedy Festival, Accidental Comedy Festival, and The 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival. He is the host/producer of a monthly show, “Good Luck Comedy.”

Saturday, Feb. 18

Dr. Violin
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

A regular performer and crowd-favorite, join us as Dr. Violin serenades Parkville Market on our main level.

Sunday, Feb. 19

What’s the T?! Drag Brunch
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Looking to spice up your Sunday? Stop by Parkville Market for What’s the T?! with Xiomarie LaBeija! Once a month, we feature the diversity of Drag! This month, come check out Tiana Maxim, as we welcome her to What’s The T?! Also featuring $35 bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Saturday, Feb. 25

Back 2 Black Market in the upstairs stalls
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Parkville Market wraps up Black History Month with our first annual Back 2 Black Pop-up Market. We will be featuring Black-owned and operated small businesses in our upstairs stalls. From natural hair products and home decor to candles and nonprofits, we have something for everyone.

Sunday, Feb. 26

West Hartford School of Rock performs Black Songwriters
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

This performance includes tunes from Stevie Wonder, Living Colour, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Withers, Prince, and more. Mackey Pope, Director of the Luminous Eyes, School of Rock House Band tells us, “This event is a great opportunity for the kids to study the influence Black artists had and continue to have in not just the rock scene, but all music.”

Parkville Market is located at 1400 Park St. Parking is available on-site and in three adjacent lots. For more information, visit parkvillemarket.com.