HARTFORD BONANZA 2022 TAKES FULL EFFECT

Community

Aug 5

WE OUTSIDE!

For most of 2021 and 2022 thus far, if you go to almost any event in Hartford, you’ll hear the mantra “We Outside.” It was both sung and rapped at this year’s Hartford Bonanza, the city’s new Independence Day festival, a free 2-day celebration of vitality and collective culture. Whether you hear it as a cheer of joy or as a statement of defiance in response to the pandemic lockdown, it’s certainly caught on. On July 3, Hartford residents and visitors alike enjoyed musical performances, vendors, and a stunning fireworks display from 4-9pm. Flow artist and fire dancer Kaliope collaborated with many artists throughout the evening, including Hot 93.7’s DJ Meechie and the Dwayne Keith Project.

To build an even bigger celebration than last year, the evening’s three headliners (Nat Reeves, Nelson Bello, and Dwayne Keith) joined forces on stage before the fireworks to bring their full bands for an all-out jam session. Hosts Skubie Mageza & Linda Reynolds matched the energy of the crowd, even joining in on an impromptu dance party backed by DJ Ch’Varda. Other performers included DJ Reefa and DJ Kasey Cortez. We had a chance to catch up with Bello and Reeves briefly before they went on stage for the Bonanza Jam and the excitement was palpable.

“Believe it or not, we’re all eager to make this happen,” Bello said of the upcoming jam, which brought almost 20 people back onto the stage: multiple keyboardists, percussionists, MC’s and a full horns section. “The fact that we’re outside…just seeing people move to what we do” was enough to keep Bello and his bandmates providing vibes all the way up to the first fireworks launch around 9pm. “[This performance] gives me a chance to play with musicians that I know well, meet [new ones], and share the beauty of Hartford Bonanza 2022,” said Reeves. “It’s very exciting for me to be home on this holiday and to be with people who are making this city happen.”