“Instantiation” is the name of the system Joe Morris uses to make music.
“Instantiation is the presentation or completion of a concept, idea, design, or plan. We use a complex understanding of how to make music using improvisation. This enables us to do something unique at every instance and create a performance that is made of those instances. We hope each of our listeners receives our music as a way to have a unique experience through listening.” – Joe Morris (guitarist, bassist, improviser, composer)
Instantiations (formerly known as Improvisations Now) is a monthly series of concerts programmed by Joe. He invites a diverse group of dynamic, innovative musicians, all important members of the global improvised music scene, and performs with them. The music is completely improvised. Every concert is different. The 2025-2026 season begins on Sunday, September 28, 2025, and goes through Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Performances from February through May 2026 will take place inside Hartford Ballroom, 56 Arbor Street, #411, Hartford CT.
To get inside 56 Arbor Street, please use the building door accessible from our parking lot that is closest to Orange Street.
Enter this door next to Jumping Frog Bookstore (one of our colleagues will be onsite to let you into the building):
Follow the long hallway until you get to the lobby. An elevator will be on your right. Take the elevator to the 4th floor and Hartford Ballroom will be on your immediate right.
Sunday, 9/28, 2:30 pm: Stephen Haynes-trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn; Jerome Deupree-drums; Steve Lantner-piano; Josh Roseman-trombone; Joe Morris-bass (Tickets)
Sunday, 10/12, 2:30 pm: Dan Blacksberg-trombone; Carlos Santiago-violin; Joe Morris-guitar (Tickets)
Sunday, 11/23, 2:30 pm: Rob Brown-alto saxophone, flute; Anna Webber-tenor saxophone, flute; Matthew Rousseau-drums; Joe Morris-bass, compositions (Tickets)
Sunday, 12/14, 2:30 pm: Brad Barrett-cello; Beth Ann Jones-bass; Joe Morris-guitar (Tickets)
Sunday, 1/18, 2:30 pm: Hidemi Akaiwa-piano; Sam Newsome-saxophone; Joe Morris-bass (Tickets)
Sunday, 2/15, 2:30 pm: Adam Matlock-accordion; Diane Buettner-bass clarinet, clarinet; Yoona Kim-Ajaeng; Joe Morris-guitar (Tickets)
Sunday, 3/15, 2:30 pm: L. Mixashawn Rozie-tenor, soprano saxophone, mandolin, voice; Michael Larocca-drums; Joe Morris-bass (Tickets)
Sunday, 4/12, 2:30 pm: Melanie Dyer-viola; Solomon Caldwell-bass; Joe Morris-guitar (Tickets)
Sunday, 5/3, 2:30 pm: Selendis Sebastian Alexander Johnson-vibraphone; Lemuel Marc-trumpet; Joe Morris-bass (Tickets)
Instantiations is made possible by the generous support of the Greater Hartford Arts Council, an organization that creates opportunities for artists and arts organizations, evolving the region into a premier destination for the arts, while building a sense of belonging for anyone looking to experience art.
