Hartford has a long history of reinventing itself. It was a literary hub and the richest city in the United States in the late 19th century, a booming industrial center during the World War II, and a cautionary tale about the devastating effects of suburbanization and urban redevelopment at the end of the 20th century. Even as history has caused great shifts in the city, one thing has remained constant: Hartford is a city of immigrants.
That fact was on full display during a lunchtime concert at the Old State House Square in downtown.
The Summer Concert Series has been going on since June, bringing live music to downtown Hartford during the middle of the work day.
This past Friday’s performers were a duo from the Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band. They entertained the steadily growing crowd with their style that fused Soca, reggae and salsa. They joyfully covered memorable old hits like “Top of the World” by The Carpenters and “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder. They beckoned the audience to clap and dance along, and a group of children who came to enjoy the music did so.
Despite the cold, harsh sound of the name “steel drum,” the music was bright and upbeat. The performers were wizards of multitasking, switching between the drums, maracas, and a whistle in addition to singing and dancing. Everyone from the business lunch crowd to passersby headed to the bus stop felt the rhythm move them to dance. Multiple vendors were set up around the square as well, offering a chance to shop for fresh produce or specialty jams.
The performance was a fitting kickoff to Celebration Week, an eight-day torrent of parties, concerts and celebrations that culminate in the West Indian Independence Parade on Aug. 12. A week is barely enough time to pay homage to the West Indian diaspora, which has found its home in the Capitol city. More than 70,000 people of West Indian descent call the Metro Hartford area home, making them the largest immigrant population in the state.
The wave of West Indian settlement followed other groups that came before them seeking a better life. African Americans came to Hartford by the thousands during the Great Migration in the 1910s-1930s; Puerto Ricans were drawn after the failure of Operation Bootstrap on the island after World War II. West Indians soon followed them, leaving an indelible mark on the culture and identity of the city.
As the crowd grew of Friday, I could see the newest wave of immigrants and their children dancing along to the rhythm. In recent years, Greater Hartford has become home to increasing numbers of immigrants from Southeast Asia, the Far East and the Balkans. The migrant tradition that brought Hartford this amazing weeklong festival is alive and well, and I hope to someday celebrate independence days from all over the world along with the West Indian version.
NEXT FOR THE SERIES: The Summer Concert Series will continue every Friday at the Old State House through Oct. 13.
NEXT: Jamil warms up the golden pipes for karaoke at Parkville Market.
