Music, Food, Sunset Cocktails This Weekend

Yes it’s summer and yes it’s hot but take advantage of the best of the combination. Before you know it, the lazy, hazy days of summer will be gone and well, you know what December brings.

Grab a blanket and a picnic and head over to Bushnell Park this weekend for the Hartford Festival of Jazz opening Friday and continuing through Sunday.

Among the featured musicians are Layla Angulo, Jeff Golub, the Sax Pack and the HSO jazz  trio and ensemble. As an added perk, there will also be children’s activities, a craft show and food court. Go to   http://cour.at/MJWTUb    for more information.

On Friday, the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford is beginning a new “Sizzle Under the Stars” film series.

The outdoor evening features 1930s romantic comedies and opens with “It Happened One Night” starring Claudette Colbert and (sigh) Clark Gable. Doors open at 6 p.m. with an a la carte dinner and live jazz. The movie begins at  8:15 p.m. In case of rain, the movie night moves indoors. Admission is $9 , $8 for seniors and students and free for members.

Also on Friday, area author Dodie Milardo, president of “To Give Is Divine” will be at Mohegan Sun’s “Diva Friday” event and signing copies of her book. Milardo wrote “Penelope’s Cruise” and proceeds from the sale of her book have been donated to the Women’s Center of Southeastern CT.

On Saturday, take a trek to the “other” park, Elizabeth Park,  where the West End Civic Association, and its new Elizabeth Park Task Force, along with the City of Hartford and the Elizabeth Park Conservancy,  invite you to “Cocktails at Sunrise” from 6  to 9 p.m. at Sunrise Overlook on the East Lawn of Elizabeth Park.

The fundraiser is part of a new cooperative to restore the East Lawn of  the park.  Donation is  $20.

And while it’s not quite the weekend, make it feel like it is by eating out next week.  It’s “Taste of Hartford Week”   beginning July 23 and that means eating at dozens of Hartford restaurants for just $20.12. Go to  http://bit.ly/NBIji4 for information.