This article reflects just part of the conversation in the latest episode of “Our Montclair,” a video and podcast series featuring the art, the activism, the outreach and the connections among people in Montclair.
For as long as there has been jazz music, it’s been part of Montclair’s DNA.
The connection is hard to miss. Last year’s Montclair Jazz Festival took up a stretch of Bloomfield Avenue from Church Street to Lackawanna Plaza, attended by thousands of Montclarians and visitors — a boisterous celebration in a year where the coronavirus pandemic still muted so many gatherings. But jazz is in Montclair’s air year-round, in its clubs, in programs such as Jazz House Kids (the festival’s organizer), in the souls and talents and histories of so many people who make Montclair home.
Since DLV Lounge was established in 1972, jazz artists have been welcome — and over the years, the bar became known as one of the area’s go-to jazz venues. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in March.
George Marable, 83, has been DLV’s owner and operator since his family, which owned small clubs and bars in Newark, decided to open up a club in Montclair. It’s named for Marable’s parents — Dutch and Louise — and his daughter, Valerie.
I spoke to Marable for the latest edition of “Our Montclair,” Montclair Local’s ongoing podcast and video series exploring the arts, activism, culture and life of Montclair….