City of Hartford unwraps holiday spirit with new EP “Hartford Unwrapped” featuring local artists

The City of Hartford Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment has announced the release of a brand-new holiday EP, Hartford Unwrapped, spotlighting six original tracks from the city’s vibrant music community. The EP, produced in collaboration with Parkville Sounds (Stephen and Jillian Cusano) and Wherehouse Productions (Eugene Morton Jr.), will be available for free on all major streaming platforms starting December 2, 2025. A limited edition vinyl pressing will follow, with sale locations to be announced.

Hartford Unwrapped showcases the diversity of Hartford’s musical talent, featuring genres ranging from Latin Jazz to Hip-Hop and Urban Contemporary. The EP brings together both established and emerging artists, including Erica Tracy, Dom McLennon, Zaccai Curtis, Yummy Bingham, Doobie Powell, and the Bap Pack.

A special listening party is planned for Friday, December 19 at 7 PM at Infinity Hall (32 Front Street, Hartford), with live performances from several of the featured artists. Tickets are $10 and include a drink ticket, available at InfinityHall.com or at the door. More details about the EP and related events can be found at hartfordunwrapped.my.canva.site.

The track listing for Hartford Unwrapped includes:

“Gifts from Hartford” – Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, Taneisha Duggan, Stephen Cusano
“Fireside” – Dom McLennon, Gene June, Yummy Bingham
“Gather Round” – Bap Pack
“Sleigh Ride Mambo” – Zaccai Curtis, Mitch Frohman, Carlos Abadie, Alex Hernandez, Reinaldo de Jesus
“That Time of Year” – Doobie Powell
“The Light” – Erica Tracy, Marquis “Qwes” Johnson, Ysanne, Brandon Serafino, Charmagne Tripp, Orice Jenkins, Olivia Gaines

Taneisha Duggan, Director of the City of Hartford Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, emphasized the importance of supporting local talent:

“Creating new opportunities and work for Hartford artists is a priority. Partnering with artists and entrepreneurs like Parkville Sounds and Wherehouse Productions is where community and commerce meet, with creatives leading the way. Hartford Unwrapped is the first initiative in our new Hartford Made program, which will include albums, listening parties, performances, and more.”

The EP was brought to life by a team of highly respected producers:

Stephen Cusano (Parkville Sounds) – An accomplished producer, drummer, and recording artist, Cusano has worked with Allen Stone, Yummy Bingham, and Doug Wimbish, among others.
Jillian Cusano (Parkville Sounds) – A versatile artist, choreographer, and arts entrepreneur, Jillian brings extensive experience from jazz, ballet, and contemporary dance, collaborating with national and international performers.
Eugene Morton Jr. / Gene June (Wherehouse Productions) – Known for his dynamic event production and community-focused projects, Gene June continues the legacy of Hartford’s famed Wherehouse venue through innovative collaborations and cultural initiatives.

The artists featured on Hartford Unwrapped represent the city’s rich creative landscape:

Erica Tracy – Hartford-based soul singer, composer, and curator, frontwoman of West End Blend and The New Mosaic.
Dom McLennon – Multi-disciplinary artist and member of BROCKHAMPTON.
Zaccai Curtis – Grammy-winning Latin Jazz musician, educator, and founder of TRRcollective.
Yummy Bingham – Renowned R&B singer, songwriter, and producer.
Doobie Powell – Gospel artist and multi-instrumentalist with a career spanning decades.
Bap Pack – Hip-hop supergroup of Hartford emcees RapOet, Tang $auce, Hydro 8Sixty, and Klokwize.

Hartford Unwrapped highlights the city’s thriving music scene while bringing the community together through a shared celebration of art, culture, and the holiday season. With a free digital release, an upcoming vinyl pressing, and a live listening party, the EP is set to become a new seasonal tradition in Hartford.

For streaming, event tickets, and more information, visit hartfordunwrapped.my.canva.site.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top December events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to events at Fairfield Theatre Company — and don’t miss our links for Connecticut merch by town!

Don’t miss

• Sara Serpa & Matt Mitchell bring critically acclaimed duo album to New Haven
• Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum hosts Holiday Open House with Santa and ballet performance
• Glebe House Museum to host old-fashioned Wassail and Holiday Celebration

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December events at Fairfield Theatre Company

November at Fairfield Theatre Company is packed with a diverse lineup of events, from live music and tribute shows to film and community gatherings. Highlights include Kelsey Waldon on November 1, Color Me Obsessed: A Film about The Replacements and The Monet plays Jamiroquai on the 2nd, Heather Maloney & Dan Rodriguez on the 4th, Brian Dolzani as the Loner: The Music of Neil Young on the 6th, and the FTC Encore Gala on the 8th. The month also features performances by Zoso, Paul Bogaev, Mike Farris, Tropidelic, Black Flag, Mary Fahl, Shemekia Copeland, Marshall Crenshaw, The Jayhawks, and more, including multi-night appearances from Reid Genauer Soloand festive events like Funksgiving. With something for every taste, November at FTC offers music, film, and seasonal celebrations for the whole community.

December 2025 calendar of events
12/4 -Ali McGuirk
12/5 – The Alternate Routes (Acoustic)
12/5 – The Tom Petty Project
12/6 – Bettlejuice Jr.
12/6 – The Alternate Routes (Electric)
12/7- Bettlejuice Jr.
12/9 – Bob Schneider / Steve Poltz
12/10 – Holiday In The Warehouse
12/12 – A Christmas Carol: The Musical
12/12 – Yacht Lobsters
12/13 – A Christmas Carol: The Musical
12/13 – TAB Benoit
12/14-A Christmas Carol: The Musical
12/16 – Built to Spill
12/17 – Teachrock
12/19 – The Alpaca Gnomes
12/20 – Caravan of Thieves
12/20 – The Weight Band
12/27 – The Crystal Pyramid Band
12/28 – CTGB Night

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this winter with AMG Catering

AMG Catering & Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is kicking off 2026 with a brand-new culinary class series packed with bold flavors, global inspiration, and seasonal comfort. Each session offers hands-on instruction, perfectly paired beverages, and a full menu of dishes to make together — all designed for home cooks of every skill level who love great food and a fun night out. Classes start January 14, 2026.

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December events at PeoplesBank Arena

12/5 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
12/6 – Pentatonix, click here to purchase tickets
12/10- Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
12/12 – Texas vs UConn Men’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
12/13 – Andrea Bocelli, click here to purchase tickets
12/16 – Butler vs UConn Men’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
12/17 – Marquette vs UConn Women’s Basketball, click here to purchase tickets
12/19 – Syracuse Crunch vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
12/27 – Harlem Globetrotters, click here to purchase tickets
12/31 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

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