Storytelling events... with songs, art & heart
About Us
Montclair Story Salon is a bi-monthly storytelling event hosted and produced by actress and Montclair resident Liz Samuel.
Filled with stories, songs, and art, these events feature storytellers, singer/songwriters, and an artist (painting live!) -- all in aid of non-profit organizations.
We have a core group of artists and always introduce a few new talents at each event.
Past Salons
"A Warming Place"
December 5, 2024
To support MESH (Montclair Services for Hope) and help them feed and provide overnight respite for the unhoused
Storytellers include:
Kimmi Berlin
Leydi Margaret Ferreira
Eric Roston
Phoebe Farber'
Liz Samuel
Music:
The Mellman Trio
Helen Laser
Art by:
Carolyn Burbridge
"Build Me a Future"
September 25, 2024
To benefit the efforts of Friends of the Howe House to restore a former slave's home into a museum
Storytellers include:
Rachael Quinn Egan
Arian Keddell
Gary Rudoren
Karin Arbarbanel
Nicole Gray
Music by:
Stacia Thiel
Carol Crittenden
Art by: Merrie Koehlert
Hosted by: Liz Samuel
"Journey to a Dream"
Monday, July 22, 2024
To Benefit Vanguard Theater Company's education program
Storytellers:
-
Dwayne Clark
-
Lisa Cortney
-
Doreen Oliver
-
Jay Quudus
-
Zee Happonen
Music:
-
Ayla Schwartz
-
Jada Clark & DJ Clark
-
Rob Fusari& Robin DiLauri
Art:
-
Saadiq Muhammad
-
Troi Gaines
Host:
Liz Samuel
"It's in the Book"
Thursday, May 2, 2024
To Benefit Montclair Literary Festival's Succeed2gether
Storytllers :
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Laurie Lico Albanese
-
Benilde Little
-
Martin Golan
-
Caytha Jentis
Music:
Scott E. Moore
Nicole Bozzuto
Art:
Merrie Koehlert
Host:
Liz Samuel
MC
"Grow For Me"
Thursday, April 4, 2024
To benefit Montclair Community Farms
Storytellers:
-
Charles Rosen
-
Nancy Burke
-
Claudine Ohayon
-
Jessica Schachter
Music :
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Stacia Thiel w/Scott E. Moore
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Jason Didner w/Leslie Masuzzo
Art:
-
Merrie Koehlert
Host:
-
Liz Samuel
"Take a Leap!"
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
At Loopwell
benefitting Montclair Local, a non-profit digital news organization
NEW Storytellers:
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Dionne Ford
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Warren Zanes
-
Ghana Imani
-
Bridget Placek
Music:
-
Lily Vakili with Joel Dorow
-
Miranda Ferris Jones
Art:
-
Merrie Koehlert
Host:
-
Liz Samuel
Heading 3
"Welcome Home... A Holiday Story Salon"
Thursday, December 14, 2023
At Watchung Booksellers' new space, The Kids Room
benefitting CASA of ESSEX County
NEW Storytellers:
-
Amy Scott
-
Kate Zernike
-
Cyndie Spiegel
"A Great Escape"
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
At The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair
benefitting Luna Stage
NEW Storytellers:
-
Ami Brabson
-
Jessica Wolf
-
Keri Setaro
Plus MSS Veterans:
-
Stacia Thiel
-
Carol Crittenden
Artist:
-
Merrie Koehlert
Host:
-
Liz Samuel
"Books That Changed My Life"
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
At Succeed2gether's Montclair Literary Festival
Stories & Performances by:
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Dagmara Dominczyk
-
Eric Roston
-
Nicole Gray
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Rachael Quinn Egan
-
Rachel Martens
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Stacia Thiel
-
Carol Crittenden
Art:
-
Merrie Koehlert
Host:
-
Liz Samuel
Feel the Love
"With Montclair Story Salon, Liz has built a warm, creative community that looks forward to gathering, whether to share or to listen. I leave feeling richer for the experience every time I attend!"
-Andrea B.
“They are inspiring and relatable. And you feel connected in a world where you can sometimes feel alone."
-Suzanne S.
“Hearing relatable, inspiring stories and listening to meaningful music made me feel more connected to my community.”
-Alison K.
"The Montclair Story Salon has always been one of my favorite events to look forward to. Being able to experience an evening of empowering women who share their amazing talents -- songs, stories, ideas -- is such an inspiration!"
-Diane H.
"I have been fortunate to attend all of the Story Salons Liz Samuel has organized, and I have watched the events grow as word about them has spread. Humor, heartbreak and ultimately enduring hope and love are the feelings I always leave with. If you enjoy being entertained by people performing live, you can't go wrong spending an evening at the Montclair Story Salon."
-Greg K.