Kirk Woodard: Faces of Make Music Hartford
June 16, 2019
If you’ve made it out to Black-Eyed Sally’s for a Jazz Monday, chances are you’ve seen Kirk play. If you’ve attended events with a jazz trio, your chances are even higher. Essentially, Kirk is one of Hartford’s go-to drummers for all things jazz. Having just graduated from The Hartt School’s inaugural Master of Music in Jazz Studies program, Kirk is clearly no stranger to the local or regional jazz scene. Last year, you may have seen Kirk teaching bucket drumming at the Bushnell Sculpture Garden. This year, in addition to serving on our Planning Committee, Kirk will be back with the buckets at the Riverfront, Willie Ware, playing the kit for the Jazz Jam Session at Scott’s Jamaican Bakery, and making a special appearance at Basses Loaded!
What is your instrument(s)? If not a singer/musician, what is your connection to the arts?
I play the drum set. I am active on the Hartford music scene.
What do you do other than music/the arts – professionally? Hobbies?
Reading, listening to vinyls, enjoying nature, cooking, and traveling.
What drew you to MMH?
I support the idea of making participation in the arts accessible to the community. I also support having nice venues in Hartford to allow artists to showcase their work.
What drew you to Hartford and what is making you stay?
I have lived in Windsor, CT the majority of my life. I am drawn to Hartford because this is where I have had very memorable moments and performances.
What is your favorite genre(s) of music?
Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop
Top 3 favorite things about Hartford:
1. Music community
2. Food
3. History and stories of Hartford.
Fun fact:
I teach drum lessons at The Music Shop in Southington, CT.
What part of MMH are you most looking forward to?
I am really looking forward to playing with 10 bass players outside of the Wadsworth. It’s going to be a very unique and special concert!
Hopes/dreams/wishes for Hartford:
I hope to see more venues that have live music regularly. I also hope to see more jazz jam sessions in the area.
Photo credit for “The Faces of Make Music Hartford” photo series: Mike Marques Photo
https://www.marquesphoto.com/