ART Meets Jazz
By TPC Staff
The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) pulsed with energy. The museum’s African American Cultural Committee’s (AACC) annual soiree featuring Grammy-nominated harpist Brandee Younger and her band was in full swing. A vibrant, multicultural mix of jazz lovers, art enthusiasts, and cultural tastemakers mingled, munched, and marveled at the museum’s collection
Guests enjoyed delights from Black-owned entrepreneurs—wine varietals from LoveLee Wine and cuisine from Grove Atelier by Moso. William A. Smith, president and CEO of media partner jazz radio WBGO-FM and renowned WBGO ambassador Dorthaan Kirk welcomed attendees.
Deputy Director Todd Caissie and AACC Chair Wanda Croudy acknowledged sponsors including Edmond’s Honor Bourbon and Whole Foods Market. Notable attendees at the March 19 event included Montclair Mayor Renée Baskerville; Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security for the Obama Administration Atty. Jeh Johnson; MAM CFO Michael Frasco; artist, activist and AACC co-founder Ben Jones; Melissa Walker, founder of Jazz House Kids and the Montclair Jazz Festival; and many members of the museum’s AACC, whose hard work has made Art Meets Jazz an anticipated annual event.
A New York native, Younger redefines the harp in contemporary jazz, expanding its role with innovation and cultural resonance. Her collaborative résumé is impressive, citing her work with icons including Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Common, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, and The Roots—further underscoring her versatility and influence across genres.
