Held the fourth Friday of the month from 5pm to 7pm, AMP’s Happy Hour Piano Series features a captivating pianist performing in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, pop, classical, and more. It can be a relaxed hang with friends or an intimate evening out.

Reserve your $8 tickets in advance or purchase at the door.

AMP’s regular Friday exhibit hours (10am to 5pm) are extended for the Happy Hour Piano Series, 5–7pm. The cash/credit bar opens at 5pm. Live music begins at 5:30pm.

The Happy Hour Piano Series is supported in part by the Greenberg family.

UPCOMING…

Natalie Hamilton, folk and pop
Friday, March 27
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm

Natalie Hamilton is a singer/songwriter known for her four-octave, velvet voice and a style that blends jazz sophistication with folk intimacy. Critics describe her sound as evocative, powerful, and uniquely her own, comparing her voice to a young Barbra Streisand and her narrative, lyrical compositions to Joni Mitchell. "She is able to say more with humming than most singers can say with words - reminiscent of a young Barbra Streisand." (Sandy Cooperman - The Daily Sun)  Hamilton is currently performing and recording a new album for 2026 release.

Isabella Mendes, jazz and bossa nova
Friday, April 24
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm

Singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, and educator Isabella Mendes is one of New Haven and Hartford County’s top Brazilian and Jazz entertainers in the industry and has earned an impressive list of accomplishments well beyond her years. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Isabella started to study music at age four and hasn't stopped since. She has been studying with Grammy Winner pianist Fabio Torres and Emmy Winner vocalist Michal Towber. Isabella is also the founder and owner of IMMusic Studio, a private music school, where she teaches piano and voice. She is an advocate for women and diversity in the arts, and is leading workshops bringing diversity through music in schools and community events.

Jeffrey John Boratko, pop, rock
Friday, May 22
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm

If you’re a fan of the song stylings of Elton John and Billy Joel, Jeffrey John, award winning composer, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is gonna knock your socks off!  He is the principal songwriter, lead singer, and frontman of the Jeffrey John Band. Previously his music was released under the name Streetlight Shakers (voted Connecticut's Best New Band of 2019 by CTNOW). Jeff's music has been featured and performed throughout the United States, and has reached international audiences through radio, streaming services, and live streamed performances. He has been commissioned to write several large scores of music for theatrical productions across the country.

TJ Thompson, Broadway singalong
Friday, June 26
5–7pm I Music Starts: 5:30pm

Bring your musical theater-loving friends—this happy hour is an audience participation special!

T.J. has been an educator, jazz pianist, composer, and conductor for the last 20 years throughout the Midwest, New York, and New England. He directs several musicals a year at regional equity and community theaters and schools throughout Connecticut. He has a Master of Arts in music education from Teachers College at Columbia University, a Master of Music in composition from the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana, and a Bachelor of Music in jazz studies from Eastern Illinois University. He studied baton technique and orchestral conducting with Maestro Vincent LaSelva at the Juilliard School. In 2000, he performed with Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, and as a result was a featured artist on Branford Marsalis Jazz Set show on NPR.

PAST PERFORMANCES