Upcoming: WeHa United in Jazz at Blue Back Sq, October 4, 2026, 2:00-5:00 p.m

On Sunday, October 4, WeHa United in Jazz returns to Webster Walk at Blue Back Square for a day of music and engagement with top jazz musicians. The event is free and open to all. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Town Hall auditorium, 50 South Main St., West Hartford.

Headlining this year’s event is Gerald Veasley, whose hits are on the U.S. Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. He will take the stage for 90 minutes of jazz alongside guest musicians. WeHa United in Jazz also features a performance by the Conard High School Jazz Combo, a meet-and-greet with professional musicians, giveaways, and resources from community partners.

Gerald Veasley’s musical odyssey has taken him to the top of the contemporary music world as a bassist, bandleader, composer, producer, educator, and curator. His performance as a six-string bassist has been top-shelf, as his extensive body of work attests. Veasley has recorded or performed with many of the world’s top artists in Jazz, R&B, and Gospel.

Veasley’s new recording, Live at SOUTH is the latest chapter of a multi-decade career of combining jazz, funk, and soul genres into a tantalizing blend of earthy sophistication. Live at SOUTH was recorded live at SOUTH Jazz Parlor, a premier jazz venue in Veasley’s hometown of Philadelphia.

Passionate about educating and motivating other musicians, Veasley has served on the faculty of the University of the Arts (Philadelphia). Veasley is also the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Gerald Veasley’s Bass Boot Camp. Established in 2002, the annual event has informed and inspired hundreds of bass players of all levels and ages.

WeHa United in Jazz is funded through a grant to The Bridge Family Center’s Turning Points program, which supports at-risk youth and young adults. The program aims to connect youth with their greater community, help them improve their academic performance, and avoid high-risk behavior. Event sponsors include The Bridge Family Center, the West Hartford Police Department, and WHAASCO (West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization). Community partners include West Hartford’s Prevention Partnership and Community of Concern, which will share information during the event.

“Music has a wonderful way of bringing people together, creating connections across generations and giving everyone a place to belong. For teens in particular, events like WeHa United in Jazz provide an opportunity to experience the joy of live music, connect with others, and see themselves as an important part of our community. The Bridge Family Center is proud to support an event that celebrates music, inclusion, and the power of coming together.”
— Margaret Hann, Executive Director, The Bridge Family Center

This event began in 2022 with Chief Vernon Riddick, Jr. and the late Earl Exum, who wanted to bring the community together in their love of jazz.

“Earl Exum and I shared a belief that music—especially jazz—could bring people together in a way few other things can. We wanted to create an event where our community could gather, listen, connect, and celebrate our shared love of music. WeHa United in Jazz is a wonderful reflection of Earl’s vision and his commitment to bringing people together. It is an honor to see that spirit continue and to celebrate his legacy through this special day of music and community.”
— Vernon Riddick, Jr., Chief of Police, West Hartford Police Department

“Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and there is nothing more exciting than creating opportunities for people to experience great live music. WeHa United in Jazz brings truly exceptional musicians to West Hartford, including the incredible Gerald Veasley, and I’m thrilled to help make that happen. This is more than a concert—it’s an opportunity for aspiring musicians to hear world-class talent, be inspired, and see what’s possible when you pursue your passion. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our love of jazz and bring people together through music.”
— Alan Taylor, President, ACT Jams Productions; Founder and Chairman, Brass City Jazz Fest

“WeHa United in Jazz reflects so much of what WHAASCO stands for—building camaraderie, creating meaningful connections, and bringing people together through the power of music. We are proud to support an event that offers our community a safe, welcoming, and dynamic space to gather, enjoy incredible music, and celebrate the diversity and talent that make West Hartford such a special place. Music has a way of breaking down barriers and creating connections, and WeHa United in Jazz gives us an opportunity to experience that together.”
— Kaleea Alston-Griffin, President, WHAASCO

Schedule of Events:

2:00-2:30 PM: Meet & Greet with musicians

2:30-3:00 PM: Conard High School Jazz Combo

3:00-4:30 PM: Jazz Concert with Gerald Veasley

2:00-5:00 PM: Community partner resources

4:30-5:00 PM: Closing remarks & Music

Parking is available in the Isham and Memorial municipal garages, the Town Hall municipal lot, and on the street. Fees apply.