May Free First Thursday Night at MAM

Features a preview of the inaugural Montclair Poetry Festival, a performance by the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo, and a centennial presentation by the Bellevue Avenue Library
 
MONTCLAIR, N.J. - April 18, 2014 - PRLog -- Free First Thursday Nights invite the Montclair Art Museum’s entire community to enjoy a night out at the Museum the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m. The evening features free admission, a full-service bar, and a variety of dynamic art activities. Offerings change on a monthly basis, providing something new to see and do at every First Thursday Night.

In May, the Montclair Poetry Festival will preview their inaugural festival with short interventionist poetry performances in MAM’s galleries. Several select poets from the festival will perform. Poetry is fast becoming a regular feature at Museum events, including the successful Respond: Poet in Residence Project at MAM’s 100th Birthday Party on January 15 and the interactive conversation on poetry and art held by celebrated local poet Charlotte Mandel at April’s Free First Thursday Night.

At 6:30 p.m., eleven-year-old virtuoso musician Florian Schantz will hold a special performance of jazz selections with a full band. In 2012, when he was 9 years old, Florian formed the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo and began playing public performances. Since that time, the band has delighted audiences in numerous venues in the greater NYC area including opening for the Somers Dream Orchestra at the Sussex County PAC, headlining Somethin’ Jazz Club in NYC and conducting his own historical program “Four Centuries of Jazz” at the Crossroads. The band consists of adult professional musicians with guest appearances by Florian's big sister Margaret, who plays the Flügelhorn and trumpet. In 2013, the FSJC became an official NJ Workshop for the Arts Professional Performing Ensemble and Affiliate. He is the youngest NJWA student ever to form and lead his own professional jazz band. The band specializes in playing traditional hot jazz including Dixieland, ragtime, and blues, but also conducts programs of more modern jazz and commercial music.

At 7:30 p.m., the story of the creation of the Bellevue Avenue Library–including a violent labor strike, a private meeting in Andrew Carnegie’s home office, and an impassioned petition by Upper Montclair residents–will unfold in a presentation by the Friends of the Bellevue Avenue Library. The Montclair Art Museum and the Bellevue Avenue Library are both celebrating their Centennial in 2014. A complementary event will be held at the Library focused on MAM’s Centennial and featuring MAM’s Archivist Extraordinaire Judy Hinds on May 8.

The Free First Thursday Night bar is now offered in partnership with Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastro-Lounge—one of Montclair’s most celebrated eateries recognized for its casual atmosphere and creative, modern menu with a devotion to seasonal, local ingredients. Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastro-Lounge at MAM accepts cash or credit card and offers an extensive variety, including a signature cocktail, wines, and beer from New Jersey Beer Co. Delectable food samples will also be on hand.

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore all of the exhibitions on view. Tours will be held at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m. and audio tours, including the popular 100 Years, 100 Voices will be available all evening. Live music provided by students in the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University accompanies art-viewing activities. In addition, drop-in workshops offered by the Yard School of Art provide opportunities for visual expression. Hunger Construction, the original stuffed baked potato food truck, will also be on site for hungry patrons to grab a meal.

Every first Thursday of the month, October–June, MAM is open 5–9 p.m. with free admission, dynamic programming, and a bar in partnership with Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastro-Lounge. For more information about upcoming Free First Thursday Nights, visit montclairartmuseum.org/free-first-thurs-nights (https://www.montclairartmuseum.org/free-first-thurs-night...).

Social Media

Visitors are encouraged to share their First Thursday Nights experience on social media. Find the Museum on:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/montclairartmuseum
Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/MAMmontclair Use the hashtag #MAMfftn to follow the discussion about Free First Thursday Nights.
NEW! Instagram (http://instagram.com/mammontclair) – Share your photos with #MAMfftn
Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/montclairartmuseum/ Share your photos with MAM in our Free First Thursday Nights group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/mamfftn/
Foursquare – https://foursquare.com/v/montclair-art-museum/4b1165c8f964a520ab7b23e3

Groups

The Museum encourages groups to attend Free First Thursday Nights! Groups of 10 or more are asked to RSVP to thursdays@montclairartmuseum.org. In return, the group will receive a special mention on the Free First Thursday Nights webpage.

Businesses

Have a creative business or activity you'd like to present at Free First Thursday Nights? Please email us a description at thursdays@montclairartmuseum.org.

Contact
Catherine Mastrangelo
***@montclairartmuseum.org
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