Dr. Margaux Simmons (Co-director of Music City program) is a composer, flutist, improvisor, and music educator. She studied with Cecil Taylor at Antioch College and Pauline Oliveros and Will Ogden at UC San Diego. She is a founding member of The Pyramids and has traveled, composed, studied and performed music extensively in North America, Europe, and …
DOUGLAS FARRAND (Co-Director of Music City program) is a composer, musician, and educator concerned with developing practices that invite us to explore our myriad processes of listening and embody a collective investigation of place, community, and personhood. He works in contexts including experimental music, youth education, and the application of sound and listening practices to …
RAY SYKES (Sykez) is an artist from Orange New Jersey. A part of a group called Soundbox Banditz as well as a duo DefNote and associated with fellow Soul Touchers He Who Shines Truly, Sykez music consists of all aspects of hip hop culture. Ray is a lead organizer with UofO’s Music City Festival and …
CÉSAR PRESA is a musician, organizer, farmer, and chef-extraordinaire. He makes music with Yaya and as a solo instrumental act. He is a lead organizer with UofO’s Music City Festival, co-curates the Living Room Series, and runs the concert series “Soundscapes”, which features eclectic, off-the-beaten track sounds from Essex County and beyond. César is involved …
SHARON FORDE is a lifelong resident of the City of Orange Township’s East Ward. She is a graduate of the Orange school system and received a bachelors degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey in Communications. New Jersey. She is a proud mom of 2 children, owner of 89 Central consultant company, co-owner of Hood …
Eirvkha Prophete is currently a student at County College of Morris as a Child and Family Studies Major and is working on her BA in Child Advocacy and Policies. Aside from school, Eirvkha owns two businesses, Smooth-EZ, LLC and Gen Z Renaissance Network. Smooth-EZ LLC is an Orange-based natural hair care company that provides those …
Janis is a resident of Orange and an organizer with the Music City Festival. She has worked on planning events with Music City, and performed on several Music City Festivals. She is a banjo player and performs both solo and with her band the Big Head Baby Blues Band. She is also a member of University …
PHIL PASSANTINO is an Interfaith minister, songwriter, musician and preschool music teacher. From 2005-2014, he enjoyed presenting guest sermons for First UU of Essex County. Usually the topics were indigenous cultures & music of the world. Much fun was had. Magical messes were made. He’s psyched to still be involved in the Orange community today, …
