Jim Messina planning Hartford performance

An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina's legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits. While acting as producer/ audio engineer for Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Buffalo Springfield, Messina ultimately joined the band as its bass player. When “the Springfield” disbanded in 1968, Jim and fellow bandmate Richie Furay formed Poco.

With Jim on lead guitar, Poco defined a new musical genre, country rock. After three successful albums, Jim was ready for a change and left to return to his passion for producing music. He signed as an independent producer with Columbia Records. In November 1970, Columbia asked Jim to work with an unknown Kenny Loggins. While helping Kenny get ready for a record and touring, the two discovered that they worked well together and Jim agreed to sit in on Kenny’s first album. “Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin’ In” was released in November of 1971 and an accidental duo was formed.

Over the next seven years, Loggins & Messina released eight hit albums, had scores of hit songs and sold over 16 million albums. They had become one of rock’s most successful recording duos ever, but it was time for the duo to go their separate ways. After a series of celebrated solo acoustic tours, Jim formed a band made of acclaimed musicians who have played with him at various points in his career. His latest release, "In the Groove", includes selected hits from all three of Jim’s previous bands, as well as several of his solo works.

Jim Messina is set to perform March 8 at Infinity Music Hall in Hartford. To reserve seats or for more information, call the Infinity Hall box office at 866-666-6306.

Upcoming concerts Geoff Tate - The Warehouse, Fairfield - Feb. 27

Charlie Musselwhite Infinity Hall, Hartford Feb. 27

The Revivalists - Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket - Feb. 28

The Lumineers - Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville - Feb. 29

Peter Asher & Jeremy Clyde - Katharine Hepburn Arts Center, Old Saybrook Feb. 29

Branford Marsalis Quartet - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield - March 1

John Lodge (Moody Blues) - Infinity Hall, Hartford - March 4

Eric Johnson - The Warehouse, Fairfield - March 4

Melvin Seals & JGB Infinity Hall, Hartford March 5

Kasim Sultan's Utopia Katharine Hepburn Arts Center, Old Saybrook March 5

Louden Wainwright III Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield - March 5

John Lodge (Moody Blues) - The Warehouse, Fairfield - March 6

Jim Messina - Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk March 7

Lucy Kaplansky and Richard Shindell - Katharine Hepburn Arts Center, Old Saybrook - March 7

Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters - Infinity Hall, Hartford - March 7

Robert Cray - Ridgefield

Playhouse, Ridgefield March 7

Rascal Flatts - Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket - March 7

Macy Gray - The Warehouse, Fairfield - March 8

Eric Gales - Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk - March 8

Ellis Paul - Katharine Hepburn Arts Center, Old Saybrook - March 8

Jim Messina - Infinity Hall, Hartford - March 8

Jim Messina - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield March 12

Roomful of Blues - Stage One, Fairfield - March 13

Dana Fuchs - Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk March 13

Tony Bennett - Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket - March 13

Roomful of Blues - Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk March 14

Lil Kim - Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket - March 14

Shawn Mullins (solo) Infinity Hall, Hartford March 15

Kat Edmonson - Katharine Hepburn Arts Center, Old Saybrook - March 19

Survivor - Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket - March 20

Indigo Girls - Palace Theater, Stamford - March 20

Dave Mason and John Mayall - Garde Arts Center, New London - March 21

Dopapod - Infinity Hall, Hartford - March 21

Jim Messina / Contributed photo Jim Messina is set to perform March 8 at Infinity Music Hall in Hartford.