Conceived by noted Hartford jazz bassist Paul Brown, The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz began in 1992 and continues today to be New England’s largest free jazz festival. Held in historic Bushnell Park, the festival has attracted a number of great performers over its almost 20 year history including Arturo Sandoval (1993), The Duke Ellington Orchestra (1994), Dave Brubeck (1998), Chuck Mangione (2000), The Woody Herman Big Band (2006) and many, many others. In 2009, more than 55,000 jazz fans flocked to the park over three days in July for this Hartford tradition. A number of food vendors and art booths augment the music. Plan on arriving early to get a good spot on the lawn.