Montclair Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 62

be social 1 1 Montclair Film launched its StorySlam program in January with a “My First Time”- themed competition. 1. Storytellers Stella Cook, Liz Samuel and Gary Foreman placed first, second and third, respectively. 2 4 1 3 5 6 THE RALPH PUCCI SECOND ANNUAL JAZZ SET Designer Ralph Pucci’s Manhattan loft space of was the setting for “Conversations with Christian,” billed as “an intimate evening of jazz, conversation, art and mannequins.” The event, which featured performances by celebrated bassists Esperanza Spalding and Christian McBride, included a champagne reception and showroom tour. 2 JOYCE CAROL OATES AT BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE Bloomfield College recently welcomed acclaimed author Joyce Carol Oates, D.F.A. (Hon. ’10) to campus for a discussion with moderator Dr. Angela Conrad, professor of English and Women’s Studies. 1. Joyce Carol Oates with Bloomfield College President Richard A. Levao and twin brother Ron 2. Joyce Carol Oates with two attendees 64 SPRING 2018 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE 1. Neal Lazar (board member, NYC), Sandy Bondorowsky (board member, Montclair), Margarethe Laurenzi (board member, Mountain Lakes), Christian McBride (artistic director, Montclair), Melissa Walker (founder & president, Montclair), Esperanza Spalding (guest musician), Bryon Phelps (board member, Montclair), Ralph Pucci (president of event host Ralph Pucci International), Terry Woodard (chairman of the Jazz House Kids Board, South Orange) 2. Melissa Walker (Jazz House Kids founder & president), Esperanza Spalding (jazz musician and guest artist) with Jazz House Kids emerging musicians/students, left to right: Monae Clancy (trombone), Gabrielle Garo (flute), Emily Springer (trumpet), Claudia Nketia (vocals), Chloe Raichle (bass), Whisper McRae (drums) 3. Walter and Liza Springer 4. Holly English (board advisor and Montclair resident) and Hilary Apicella (board member, Glen Ridge) 5. Michael Pucci (young patron co-chair), Sabrina MacLean (young patron co-chair), Christian McBride (Jazz House Kids artistic director and Montclair resident), Nick Seshadri (young patron co-chair) 6. Nancy Northup and James Johnson COURTESY MFF STORY SLAM