By Ellin Smith
Devonwood resident, Carrie Hammond is a ray of sunshine. She sings. She supports the arts. And she is always on the lookout for ways to bring people together through music. Having devoted several decades to working in the corporate world, most recently in community engagement roles, today Carrie continues her mission of building connections between business and the arts at Hartford’s own Infinity Theater where she is Vice President of Business Development.
It is easy to understand why her new role is such a perfect fit. Listening to Carrie sing — whether at Tanglewoods in the summer or with The Copley Singers up in the Boston area — one can hear her gifts shine through. The latter is a semi-professional and congenial group of colleagues and friends who gather throughout the year to perform together. The group has released its first recording, “I Wonder as I Wander,” on the Gothic Records label, featuring an appealing and eclectic range of Christmas music.
She has also focused her boundless energy on leading musicians of all kinds in her role as CEO of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. And if that weren’t enough, this past May, the Connecticut Arts Administrators Association presented her with the CAAA Arts Advocates Award for her continued arts leadership in the Greater Hartford area. At that same time, the Award of Excellence in Arts Education was awarded to the Farmington Public Schools music department.
But she’d rather the focus be on others and, in particular, the performers and patrons who come together in the intimate and vibrant venue of the Infinity Hall right here on Front Street. She sees this as more than just a place to hear great music. It is a catalyst. “The Arts is a fantastic vehicle for bringing people together … making ours a healthier, more vibrant community.”
And there is so much more to Infinity Hall. Located in the heart of a thriving arts and entertainment district, this theater and dining venue offers a full spectrum of sensory experiences. The theater seats unto 600 and puts on four to five concerts a week. Hartford Bistro is a music-themed, four-star restaurant serving Contemporary American-style cuisine and craft beer and cocktails. In fact, theater goers may choose to dine on the mezzanine while the performance is going on. Executive Chef Bill Apicerno, strives to serve ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible.
November concerts cover the spectrum from Acoustic Alchemy to Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. And bookings in December include Christmas Celts, Blood, Sweat and Tears as well as a tribute to John Denver.
Carrie Hammond knows the importance of a thriving arts community both here in Farmington and thought the greater Hartford area and beyond. Lending her beautiful voice and spirit to bringing the arts to life is just her way of making a difference. And hers is a pitch-perfect contribution, for sure.