Top row (left to right): Darryl McDaniels (DMC), Dagmara Dominczyk, Warren Zanes, Casey Carpenter, . Bottom row (left to right): Nefesh Mountain, Ted Papoulas, Janice Belove.
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Montclair Art Museum (MAM) will partner with Montclair Story Salon founder Liz Samuel for "Bring It Back," a one-night-only, multi-disciplinary storytelling event on Thursday, February 12, 2026 that blends live stories, music, and real-time art-making in support of the Museum. The event begins at 7:00pm.
Montclair Story Salon raises funds for local nonprofits by bringing together storytellers, singer-songwriters, and visual artists to create an immersive evening that actively involves the audience through on-site prompts and shared reflection. Prior to the program, light refreshments will be served, and ticket holders will have the opportunity to tour the Museum's galleries before doors open to the main event.
Headlining the program is Darryl "DMC" McDaniels of the legendary group RUN-DMC, joined by Warren Zanes, Dagmara Dominczyk, Casey Carpenter, and Nefesh Mountain Band. The program also features visual artists Janice Belove and Ted Papoulas, and includes live art created during the event with a live auction benefiting MAM.
This year's theme, "Bring It Back," taps into nostalgia—not simply for the fun of it, but as a way to explore how memory and music shape who we are. Samuel, who curates each lineup by pairing standout talent with meaningful ties to the featured nonprofit, emphasizes that Story Salon audiences are part of the program, not just observers. Guests will be invited to respond to a theme-based prompt, with Samuel weaving audience submissions into the night as she reads selected cards aloud, creating a sense of connection across the room.
Tickets range from $39-$99 and are available for purchase online. The Montclair Art Museum is located at 3 S. Mountain Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey.
"Montclair Story Salon is a multi-disciplinary, live storytelling event series where we raise funds for local non-profits," said Samuel. "We bring in storytellers, singer-songwriters, and artists to create art, music, and storytelling—live. I try to engage the audience so it feels like a community event where we can be in connection together." The event will close with a dance party—an addition Samuel says will send people home feeling energized, fulfilled, and proud of Montclair's creative community.
The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) champions American and Native American art, past and present. Through bold exhibitions, hands-on programs, and deep community ties, MAM sparks creativity, connection, and conversation. Guided by its core values of respect, collaboration, education, and inclusion, the Museum is a vibrant hub where art meets ideas, and everyone is invited.
